ASU Roybal Center

The ASU Roybal Center seeks applications to conduct NIH Stage IB–IV randomized controlled clinical trials of mechanism of behavioral change (MoBC)-driven, technology-enabled behavioral and lifestyle interventions for older adults living alone with cognitive decline.

Total Costs (direct + indirect costs): up to $200,000 in total costs may be requested over a 2-year project period. Awards will be made contingent on the budget being sufficient to conduct the proposed work, accounting for indirect costs. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek flexibilities in indirect costs for these awards.

Proposed trials should rigorously test the ASU Roybal Center’s Conceptual Framework (Exhibit 1) and be designed to support future competitive funding applications (e.g., R01) for advancement to the next Stage of research.

● This funding opportunity supports clinical trials only.

● Applications must propose interventions that are sufficiently developed to be deployed within three months of funding. For Stage 1B trials, applicants are strongly discouraged from including including follow-up periods to assess maintenance of intervention effects, as they are premature at this stage and may not constitute an appropriate use of project resources.

● Funded projects are to rigorously test mechanisms of behavior change, health behavior change, and/or changes in clinical outcomes. While measures of feasibility and acceptability may be included as secondary outcomes, they may not serve as the primary aims of the proposed research.

● This funding opportunity is limited to U.S.-based institutions and cannot be used to support international components.

● The Principal Investigators (PIs) must meet institutional criteria for independent investigator status (e.g., Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor positions or their equivalent) and possess the necessary authority to lead the proposed research. Postdoctoral Fellows and other similar mentored or trainee positions are not eligible.

● Applicants may not serve as the PI or Co-Investigator (Co-I) on more than one application or funded award by ASU Roybal Center.

Applications will be evaluated on seven criteria:

1. Significance of the problem for older adults living alone with cognitive decline
2. Ability to test ASU Roybal Center’s Conceptual Framework
3. Methodological rigor
4. Strength and novelty of the intervention
5. Potential to advance to the next Stage and future funding

6. Enrollment of populations with health disparities

    

7. Qualifications of the investigator team

Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI) Application is Required

Due Date: October 15, 2026

Use the Application Submission Portal to view the Letter of Intent (LOI) requirements and application materials. The portal also includes several video presentations that provide additional information about the ASU Roybal Center and guidance on the application process. All LOIs and supporting materials must be submitted through this portal.

LOI submission is a competitive process. Following review of all submitted LOIs, selected Principal Investigators (PIs) will be invited to submit a full proposal application. Applicants will be notified regarding invitation decisions by November 6, 2026. 

Step 2: Full Proposal Application

Due Date: December 7, 2026 

Applicants invited to submit a full proposal are encouraged to schedule consultations through this link. Available consultation opportunities include:

• ASU Roybal Center Proposal Consultation
• Statistical Consultation through the Roybal Coordinating Center

For additional information and questions relating to ASU's application process, please email ASU Roybal Center at [email protected]. For logistical support in completing the application forms, please contact the Northwell Roybal Coordinating Center at [email protected].