The Longevity Science Foundation (LSF) is pleased to announce a funding call to support innovative scientific proposals advancing female fertility and reproductive longevity. This initiative encourages proposals that focus on understanding and addressing the decline in fertility with age, with the goal of extending the biological clock and improving healthspan in women. By fostering breakthroughs in this field, we aim to bridge the gap between reproductive health and longevity science, paving the way for interventions that not only preserve fertility but also enhance overall well-being and quality of life for women.
In addition to the Female Fertility & Longevity grant call, the LSF is reopening its Rolling Proposals submission channel. This channel welcomes proposals that may not align with the current grant theme but address other aspects of human longevity.
Objective
The Female Fertility & Longevity grant call seeks research proposals that deepen our understanding of the aging female reproductive system, identifying strategies to preserve or rejuvenate ovarian function, thereby extending both reproductive and overall longevity in women. Proposals should include a clear plan aiming to provide accessible and actionable solutions that enhance reproductive health outcomes, with an emphasis on long-term societal and health benefits. Studies may investigate factors such as the mechanisms of ovarian aging and oocyte preservation, interventions that address hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and the influence of lifestyle and environmental factors on fertility decline.
“A woman’s ovaries experience aging at more than double the rate of any other tissue in the body. While most tissues are at peak performance into the late 20s or early 30s, the ovaries show notable signs of aging,” said Joshua C. Herring, the President & CEO of the LSF. ‘This accelerated aging process has effects that go beyond fertility. When ovarian function ends during menopause, the production of vital hormones critical for overall health comes to a halt. This hormonal decline contributes to an increased risk of various health issues, including heart disease, stroke, cognitive impairment, insomnia, osteoporosis, arthritis, weight gain, and more.’
“Studies suggest that women who go through menopause at a later age tend to have longer lifespans and better DNA repair mechanisms,” said Maria Corlianò, the Head Scientific Analyst at the LSF. “Conversely, women who experience natural menopause before the age of 40 are at twice the risk of premature death compared to those whose transition occurs naturally between the ages of 50 and 54. Understanding the underlying mechanisms behind these differences could pave the way for targeted interventions to improve health outcomes and longevity in women.”
Application Details
Submission deadline: February 6, 2025 Funding amount: up to $200,000 per selected project Funding coverage: direct costs only (inclusive of lab equipment)
Link to the Letter of Intent (LOI) submission can be found on our Funding page, along with the relevant instructions. To submit your LOI, the applicant needs to provide the following:
Primary Objectives: describe the main goals of the project.
Significance: explain how the project addresses the focus areas outlined in the funding call.
Research Approach: outline the core methods or strategies used to achieve the project’s goals.
Anticipated Outcomes: describe the potential results and how they align with the foundation’s goals.
Preliminary Budget Estimate: provide a brief outline of the estimated budget required
Lead Applicant Information: name, position, organization, and contact information.
Application Process
Interested applicants should submit a Letter of Intent by February 6, 2024. In line with the LSF’s non-discriminatory research selection practices, we welcome all researchers and institutions to apply regardless of their geographic, academic or financial particulars. Detailed instructions for submission and selection criteria can be found here: https://longevity.foundation/apply