The Ludeman Center's Early-Career Faculty Research Development Awards, or seed grants, jump-start ideas and help researchers build careers in women's health and sex and gender differences research. Our funding, mentoring, trainings, networking and biostatistical support make it possible for early-career researchers to obtain crucial pilot data and become independent investigators, effectively positioning them to secure future funding.

The one-year seed grants are awarded annually through peer-review to exceptional faculty members and fellows conducting research focused on women's health or sex and/or gender differences in the underlying mechanisms, diagnosis, treatment or management of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or the intersection of physical and mental health. Each seed grant is typically $25,000, with $50,000 grants periodically awarded for multi-disciplinary research projects.

All awardees become part of the Ludeman Center's researcher network with ample opportunity for interaction, participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Awardees especially benefit from career development mentoring by the Ludeman Center's faculty leadership , support in translating research and communicating findings to professional and lay audiences, and tailored trainings on academic skills and career advancement.

The funding cycle for 2022 is now closed. Check back for more information next year.

Meet Our 2021 Seed Grant Awardees

Lyndsey DuBose, PhD - Role of Estrogen Deficiency on the Vascular Contribution to Alzheimer's Disease in Women

Stephanie Gilley, MD, PhD - Sex Differences in Intrauterine Growth Restricted Mice Exposed to a High Fat Diet

Andrew Libby, PhD - The Impact of Fat Cells on the Development of Liver Disease after Loss of Ovarian Function

Christina A. Metcalf, PhD - Stress Mechanisms Underlying Childhood Adversity Effects on Cognition and Mood in Menopause: Colorado Research on Menopause & Early Life Stress Remote Participation ("CARAMELS at Home") Study

Ana J. Pinto, PhD - Understanding the Mechanisms Underpinning Sex Differences in Glycemic Responses to Active Breaks in Sitting in Adults at Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes

Stacy Trent, MD, MPH - The Effect of Novel Testing Technology in Diagnoses of Heart Attack and Cardiac Risk Scores in Women

Thank you to the funders of the 2021 awards:

• The Anschutz Foundation

• The Jacqueline Leaffer Foundation

• The Jeanne Land Foundation

• The Ludeman Family

• University of Colorado School of Medicine

• And other generous donors!