DARI
Advancing brain health through research, collaboration and innovation
The Texas A&M Health Dementia & Alzheimer’s Research Initiative (DARI) represents a bold and strategic commitment to advancing research, education and innovation aimed at preventing, detecting and treating neurodegenerative diseases and reducing burdens of care.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias affect millions of individuals and families, placing a growing burden on health care systems and communities. As a leading health research institution, Texas A&M Health is uniquely positioned to address this urgent public health challenge by leveraging strengths across disciplines and engaging collaborators across the university and beyond.
The Urgent Need
Our Goals
DARI is designed to accelerate progress in brain health research while fostering meaningful engagement and impact. Our core objectives include:
Accelerating breakthrough research
Driving pioneering studies that build on existing efforts, uncover new insights, and advance strategies for prevention, early detection, intervention and education.
Fostering multidisciplinary collaboration
Establishing a robust, cross-disciplinary research network that connects scientists, clinicians, and educators across Texas A&M and external institutions to tackle complex challenges in brain health.
Enhancing research support
Committing $1 million in Texas A&M Health seedling grants to fund high-impact pilot projects that foster innovation in dementia and Alzheimer’s research in preparation for future larger scale funding.
Expanding public awareness and education
Engaging students, educators and community members through outreach, education and advocacy efforts that translate research into meaningful, real-world outcomes.
Initiative Leadership
DARI is guided by a team of distinguished faculty leaders with deep expertise in neuroscience, mental health, aging and public health. Together, they bring a shared commitment to shaping the future of brain health research through collaboration, strategic investment and a strong foundation of scientific excellence.
Opportunities for Engagement
Texas A&M Health is committed to creating opportunities for faculty, students, and community partners to engage in this work. From seed funding and pilot studies to educational outreach and cross-campus collaborations, DARI aims to:
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Connect researchers with shared interests in dementia and brain health.
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Foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation.
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Translate discoveries into meaningful health outcomes.
Call for pre-proposals
Building on the success showcased in the DARI Inaugural Symposium, Texas A&M Health and the Texas A&M Division of Research are proud to announce the initial round request for application (RFA) for Building Capacity at Texas A&M for Dementia & Alzheimer’s Research.
Illustrative topics
Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to:
- Examining and ameliorating dementia risk factors
- Investigating disease mechanisms at molecular, cellular, behavioral, and societal levels
- Developing innovations in prevention, treatment, and care management
- Enhancing quality of life for individuals living with dementia
- Reducing the burdens of care
- Advancing data systems to support dementia research and care
Key dates
- Pre-proposal deadline: July 7, 2025
- Pre-proposal decision notification: July 21, 2025
- Full proposal deadline (invited only): September 1, 2025
- Award announcements: October 15, 2025
DARI Symposium
DARI's inaugural symposium was held on May 7, 2025, in College Station. Led by DARI's co-leads, the event convened 138 participants, including faculty, researchers and graduate students from across Texas A&M University.
Read the executive summary to learn more.