Penn LDI Research Initiative on Improving Primary Care for Older Adults
Supporting research to improve value-based care and other alternative delivery models for chronic disease management and outcomes for older adults
Penn LDI has launched a new initiative to support research that will transform primary care for older adults with a particular focus on chronic disease management, quality of care, and access to care. The Penn LDI Research Initiative on Improving Primary Care for Older Adults will fund rapid-turnaround high-impact research projects that will have a meaningful and measurable impact on value-based primary care and other alternative delivery models focused on older adults. We anticipate funding up to two research projects, each lasting up to 15 months. This program is made possible by a generous gift from CenterWell, a part of Humana.
Eligibility
Proposals must be led by an LDI Senior Fellow. Penn faculty without an LDI affiliation and LDI Associate Fellows may participate as co-investigators. External collaborators are permitted with justification. Funding priority will be given to observational studies using existing data and rigorous empirical methods, especially those examining the effect of value-based payment (VBP) and alternative delivery models on chronic disease management and outcomes for older adults, and those identifying opportunities to improve chronic disease management for older adults in primary care settings.
Application Process and Timeline
The Grant Review Committee will select up to two projects, each lasting 15 months. Project budgets may not exceed $175,000. Faculty salaries (up to the FY26 NIH cap) and benefits may be included only with strong justification and may not exceed 20% of the award. Applications will be released on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Applications will be due Wednesday, November 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Funding decisions are expected to be made in December 2025. IRB approval is required before the release of funds. PIs must submit their projects to the IRB for approval on notice of funding. Selected projects are expected to start by March 2026.
FAQ
Can an investigator mention relevant data they have access to in their proposal?
Yes, we recommend receiving a letter of support from the data owner to use data for your specific project.
Can investigator teams have more than one Principal Investigator?
Yes, teams can have up to two Principal Investigators.
Does the ban on indirect costs also apply to sub-awards for faculty co-investigators at other universities?
Yes.
Are graduate students or nurses working on projects subject to the 30% salary and benefits limit?
No, the 30% salary and benefits limit applies to only faculty (including research track/non-standing), not staff.
Are hyperlinks to online data (ie. video material) allowed to be included in the application?
Yes, applicants are allowed to link to online data in their application.
Are investigators allowed to include publication costs and/or software in the budget?
Yes, but if the grant pays 100% for the software, then it should be justified within the proposal.
Have a question?
Please email Caleb Hearn.
Advisory & Grant Review Committee
Mark Neuman, MD, MSc
Professor, Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine
Kaylyn Swankoski, PhD, MA
Associate Director, Research Consulting, Humana
Rachel M. Werner, MD, PhD
Executive Director, Penn LDI
