Riyadh, 13 October 2023 – The Hevolution Foundation, a global non-profit organization headquartered in Riyadh and focused on healthspan science, is pleased to announce the "Hevolution Foundation – Advancing Geroscience Efforts" (HF-AGE) awards. Set to take place in early 2024, the HF-AGE initiative aims to catalyze new projects in Aging Biology and Geroscience. Since its 2022 rollout, the cumulative multi-year program represents a $15 million investment. With a steadfast commitment of $5 million annually, the foundation so far allotted $10 million for the inaugural round of grants in the program's first two years. Hevolution earmarked an additional $5 million for a new wave of groundbreaking research in 2023.

"Through the HF-AGE initiative, Hevolution Foundation is opening new doors for some of the most promising minds in aging biology. This isn't just about today; it's about nurturing a generation of researchers who will bring groundbreaking discoveries for years to come," said Felipe Sierra, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Hevolution Foundation.

About the HF-AGE Initiative

This 2023 program is a re-issue of a successful 2022 initiative designed to support projects that received favorable reviews from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) but were not funded in Fiscal Year 2023. Hevolution plans to initiate approximately 8-10 projects, specifically those assigned to the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and reviewed for the 2023 fiscal year. Additional program details can be found here.

Aims and Alignment

The primary goal of the HF-AGE initiative aligns seamlessly with Hevolution Foundation's mission: "Extending healthy lifespan for the benefit of all humanity." The focus is on energizing research projects that will significantly contribute to our understanding of the essential biology of aging, which ultimately benefits human health on a global scale.

Criteria and Decision-Making

Eligibility criteria are comprehensive and specific. Projects that strictly deal with clinical issues, such as disease diagnosis or treatment or the social aspects of aging, are not eligible. Decisions will be finalized based on innovation, creativity, and alignment with Hevolution's mission and goals. The Foundation reserves the right to adjust the proposed scope and length of the project at its discretion. The program caps overhead costs at 25% of the direct project cost. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Must focus on aging biology or geroscience
• Must use one of the following funding mechanisms: R01, R21, R03, K99
• Must have been submitted for NIH review within Fiscal Year 2023
• Must have a primary assignment to the NIA

Application and Award Timeline

The application deadline is Nov. 24, 2023, with activations expected to start in February 2024.

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