In collaboration with the NEXT STEPs Network (U24AG087939) and the Long-Term Care (LTC) Data Cooperative, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Imbedded Pragmatic Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Clinical Trials (IMPACT) Collaboratory (U54AG063546) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Real World Data Scholars Program.

The 1-year mentored training program is designed to build practical skills and professional networks for postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate students, and early-career investigators interested in using real-world data (RWD) to improve care of people living in nursing homes and assisted living communities, including people living with dementia.

Up to three awards, each providing up to $60,000, will be granted to postdoctoral fellows, advanced graduate students, and early-career investigators to gain mentored training and experience using RWD to improve long-term care.

Scholars will be matched with a program mentor to support their training, project development, and engagement in the program. They will complete a research project using data from the LTC Data Cooperative to develop or validate measures applicable to clinical trials within nursing homes and assisted living communities. Scholars are expected to independently complete all analytic and scholarly work.

Additionally, scholars will have opportunities to engage in the activities of the IMPACT Collaboratory and NEXT STEPs Network, including Grand Rounds, training opportunities, and annual meetings that foster interdisciplinary exchange, professional development, and methodological advances.

Read the full RFA here

For more information, join the informational webinar on October 26th (see details below) and visit our Real World Data Scholars Program webpage.  Learn more about previous awardees here.

Informational Webinar

An informational webinar will provide an overview of the program and address applicant questions. Registration is required.
 October 26, 2026 @ 1:00 PM ET

Applications

Due: December 3, 2026 @ 6:00 PM ET

Please email IMPACTcollaboratory@hsl.harvard.edu with questions about this program.

The Real World Data Scholars Program is supported through federal funding from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under Award Numbers U54AG063546 and U24AG087939. The program is financed 100% with federal funds.

Please help to publicize the IMPACT funding and training opportunities and encourage your investigators and colleagues to apply.