Riyadh, 25 December 2023 –  Following the remarkable success of its inaugural Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Grant program, Hevolution Foundation is proud to announce the second round of its Grant Applications for research in Aging Biology and Geroscience. This announcement underscores the Foundation's continued unwavering commitment to spearhead advancements in aging science and support the growth of healthy longevity expertise in KSA.    

Continuing a Legacy of Success:    

The first round of the program was met with enthusiastic participation, receiving 120 applications. Following a meticulous evaluation process, Hevolution selected 11 outstanding Saudi researchers to benefit from a two-year grant with a total budget of 5.5 million SAR. This year, we have allocated another 10 million SAR to expand on this early effort, making it the most impactful initiative in the field.    

“The Hevolution Foundation’s dedication to advancing geroscience research is more than just funding projects; it's about nurturing a vibrant scientific community in Saudi Arabia. The enthusiasm and caliber of research we witnessed in the first round were truly inspiring,” said Felipe Sierra, chief science officer for Hevolution Foundation. “As we embark on this second round, we are funding research and investing in the future of aging science and the bright minds that will lead this field in KSA to new horizons.”    

Funding Scope and Application Process:    

The Foundation is set to allocate up to 10 million SAR to support approximately 20 projects by the end of 2024, each receiving a maximum of 500K SAR over two years. Priority will be given to projects that could translate basic biology knowledge (no clinical trials) into practical applications.  

Independent investigators with laboratories in KSA are invited to submit their proposals. Submissions must be in English and completed through Proposal Central. The submission window opens on December 25, 2023, with a strict deadline of February 29, 2024, at 5:00 PM Saudi Arabian Time.    

Peer Review and Selection:    

Maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, an external Scientific Review Panel will evaluate proposals for their scientific merit and feasibility. Notification of decisions will be made in Q3 of 2024, with funding following in Q4. Proposals not meeting the panel's standards will receive a rejection email.    

More information on Hevolution’s grants programs may be found at Hevolution.com/funding-oppourtunities

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