Weston Family Foundation Rapid Response 2026: Biomarkers Program

Overview

The Weston Family Foundation, through the Weston Brain Institute, has launched the Rapid Response 2026: Biomarkers program to provide early‑stage seed funding for high‑risk, high‑reward translational research. The program aims to accelerate the validation to clinical implementation of biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases of aging (NDAs), including dementia.

Supported projects must focus on applied or translational research that moves biomarkers beyond discovery and toward real‑world use. The program prioritizes biomarker approaches that address unmet needs in diagnosis, disease staging, prognosis, monitoring of disease progression, and differentiation of NDAs, with an emphasis on scalability, accessibility, and feasibility across diverse care settings.

Funding Value and Duration

Up to $300,000 per project over 18 to 24 months

Eligibility Criteria

• Projects must involve translational or applied research that advances biomarkers beyond discovery toward clinical validation or implementation, addressing unmet needs in diagnosis or disease monitoring using scalable, minimally invasive approaches suitable for real‑world settings.
• Be supported by preliminary data generated by the applicant team
• Principle Applicants must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Weston Family Foundation’s online application system.

• Letter of Intent deadline: March 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET
• Invited applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal at a later stage

The LOI should clearly describe the project rationale, scientific approach, feasibility, team expertise, and the pathway toward clinical implementation.

Only those who successfully pass both the LOI review and an internal diligence review by the Foundation will be invited to submit a full proposal. 

Information Session

The Weston Family Foundation is hosting an online information webinar for prospective applicants. The session will provide an overview of the Rapid Response 2026: Biomarkers program, including its scope, objectives, eligibility criteria, and application process.

Session date: February 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 p.m. ET
Format: Virtual (registration required)

Sponsor’s Website

Weston Family Foundation Rapid Response 2026: Biomarkers Program

Internal Contacts

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss this opportunity with their Faculty Research Facilitator or appropriate OVPRII resource contact.

OVPRII Resource Contact: Katie Harriman

Deadlines

Submitting Your Application

1. Log in to cuResearch and submit an internal Carleton Approval Form. Review the cuResearch user’s manual.
2. Submit an external application to the Weston Family Foundation Rapid Response 2026: Biomarkers Program by following their submission guidelines.