Date and Time: January 20, 2026 at 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
Contact: Maggie Mastrolorenzo
Contact Email: mastrolo@usc.edu
Location: Online Webinar (Zoom)
Registration link: https://cvent.me/rZeQz2
IMPACT-AD 2026 Informational Webinar
Event Details
The Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in ADRD (IMPACT-AD) is a novel multidisciplinary Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias clinical trial training program (www.impact-ad.org). The program is funded by the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association and is a Continuing Medical Education (CME) accredited course.
We are excited to announce that the 2026 course will take place August 30, 2026 – September 4, 2026, in La Jolla, CA. In preparation for this year’s application cycle, we are hosting an IMPACT-AD Informational webinar. The webinar will be a chance for those interested in the course to learn more about this unique training program and to have questions answered by the course co-directors, Drs. Joshua Grill and Rema Raman, as well as course alumni-scholars from prior years.
A stated goal of the IMPACT-AD Course is to increase the pipeline of researchers and investigators in ADRD trials. As such, we seek applicants from a broad range of professional backgrounds.
This event will be free to register. Anyone interested in the IMPACT-AD course is encouraged to attend. Participation in this webinar is optional and is not required for the submission of an application.
Register
Learning Objectives
The course will take place in San Diego, CA and will cover a wide range of topics in Alzheimer’s Research and Clinical Trial Design. CME credits will be offered through the USC Office of Continuing Medical Education.
Position
trainees to secure IRB approval, funding, or other necessary milestones toward performance of a clinical trial
Facilitate
career choices toward ADRD research for investigators
Increase
the pipeline of qualified investigators of many professional backgrounds for the future of ADRD research
After completing this course, Professionals Track attendees should be able to:
- Identify the populations enrolled in ADRD trials and the particular purposes of clinical trials in each
- Describe the ethical and logistical challenges to successful clinical trials
- Understand the urgent need to develop and enroll intended treatment populations in ADRD clinical trials
After completing this course, Fellowship Track attendees should be able to:
- Make essential choices and write an acceptable protocol sufficient for conduct and regulatory approval at any phase of development.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature describing interventional research.
- Describe the team science approach to clinical trial design, conduct, analysis, and reporting.
- Identify the optimal design for a clinical trial based on the population under study, the scientific question, and the intervention type.
Application Process
IMPACT-AD 2026 applications will open on February 1, 2026.
Prior to submitting an application, if you’re a first-time user you must first register with proposalCENTRAL and complete a Professional Profile. Below are instructions to create and submit your application.
- Login to proposalCENTRAL (https://proposalcentral.com)
- If you’re a first-time user, click Create One Now and complete the information and Save
- You will receive a confirmation number from proposalCENTRAL – enter the number
- Click the Grant Opportunities tab and search IMPACT-AD Fellowship or Professionals Track, click Apply to start the application process
Applications to the Professionals and Fellowship Tracks will require submission of:
- Personal statement: Instructions
- Biosketch: Template
- Letter of support: Instructions
The Fellowship Track will also require submission of:
- Trial protocol synopsis: Instructions and Template
Watch the Informational Webinar
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently is the IMPACT-AD course offered?
The IMPACT-AD course is offered once per year.
Is US citizenship required for submission of an application?
IMPACT-AD is funded in-part by the National Institutes of Health and is currently offered only to U.S.–based researchers. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Once you attend the course, will you be able to apply/attend again?
Some participants in the professional track may be eligible to apply to a future iteration of IMPACT-AD in the fellowship. In general, however, we recommend only taking the course once.
If the course occurs in person, are the costs of the course and travel expenses covered?
IMPACT-AD is funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Alzheimer’s Association. Limited positions are available for trainees. The cost of the course and travel expenses are covered by IMPACT-AD for all accepted trainees.
What steps are taken to ensure an ongoing sense of community for course alumni?
All IMPACT-AD alumni are immediately eligible to join the IMPACT-AD alumni network, which provides exclusive access to the private IMPACT-AD LinkedIn page, IMPACT-AD journal club, as well as the course mailing lists. The course leadership is committed to providing additional opportunities for in–person and virtual networking opportunities.
What advice do you have on determining appropriate Letter of Recommendation writers for the course?
We suggest that you look for a mentor to provide a strong letter of recommendation and to speak to several important aspects:
- your abilities as an ADRD trialist,
- your potential in the field moving forward, and
- the opportunities available to you in ADRD trials.
When appropriate, letters should confirm your availability commit the time needed to attend the course. Co-letter writers are permitted.
Are there restrictions on what type of trial can be submitted for an IMPACT-AD Fellowship track application?
Applicants should submit an ADRD trial synopsis. Interventional studies (compared to observational studies) have been consistently better received by the IMPACT-AD review committee.
What are the eligibility requirements for submitting an application to the course?
The only requirements are current US residence, strong interest in ADRD trials, and a desire to learn.
What stage of career is encouraged to apply, for either track?
For the Fellowship track, applicants should be early-stage faculty or fellowship stage. Graduate trainees have also previously been accepted. For the Professionals track, you can be in any stage of your career, so long as you demonstrate a clear commitment to ADRD clinical trials.
How should applicants decide whether they should apply to the Fellowship track or the Professionals track?
Investigators who have a specific interest in trial protocol development and serving as trial principal investigators are appropriate for the Fellowship track. Clinical trial team members from a variety of roles (clinicians, coordinators, psychometricians, regulatory specialists, etc.) who demonstrate commitment to working in the field and are eager to increase their knowledge and understanding of ADRD trials are appropriate for the Professionals track.
What if my protocol synopsis looks like a former trainee? Will that disqualify me?
All IMPACT-AD protocol synopses are expected to be original work written by the applicant. Protocol synopsis written by an applicant’s mentor will not fare as well as an original trial proposal. Similarities to other ADRD clinical trials is acceptable so long as the proposed trial is novel in some form.
Is it OK to submit a proposal that is concurrently being submitted/reviewed at NIH?
For the Fellowship track, we request that your protocol has the opportunity to change if you participate in the course. One of the main missions of the Fellowship track is to provide mentoring on the development of the submitted protocol.
Is it acceptable to submit a "Pilot" study for the Fellowship track application?
Yes, “Pilot” studies are perfectly acceptable using the protocol template for the Fellowship track application.
If I am applying to the Fellowship track, should I have a sponsor for the study before I apply?
Considering the role of sponsor is good for anyone developing a trial. This could include considering independent needs, as well as where the supply of the intervention will come from.
Is IMPACT-AD open to industry as well as academia?
Yes, IMPACT-AD is open to industry employees.
Is IMPACT-AD open to mid and senior level investigators in addition to junior investigators?
Yes, IMPACT-AD is open junior, mid and senior level investigators.
If your question remains unanswered, please reach out to us at impact-ad@atrihub.io.
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