McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss

About this program

The McKnight Brain Research Foundation and American Federation for Aging Research offer up to two three-year Innovator Awards of $750,000 each for transformative, high-risk/high-gain research on cognitive aging and age-related memory loss, supporting either clinical translational studies or basic biological mechanisms. Applicants must be full-time, independent Assistant Professors or Associate Professors at U.S. academic or nonprofit institutions, with established cognitive-aging research programs, R01-equivalent funding, and demonstrated institutional support. Candidates must have completed postdoctoral training within seven years (PhD) or residency within 12 years (MD or combined degrees), subject to limited exceptions; research primarily focused on neurodegenerative diseases is not eligible. Letters of intent are due April 15, 2026.