The Csomay Center's longstanding commitment to research includes both the generation of new knowledge and the translation and implementation of knowledge in practice to promote optimal aging and quality of life in all older adults and their caregivers. We currently advance research through pilot project funding and partnerships within the university and community.

Funding of Research

Generous donors support research that is administered by the Csomay Center. While donors' aims may vary, the overarching goal is to promote best gerontological practices. To this aim, the Csomay Center awards four pilot grants annually. Occasionally, additional funding is made available through other Center initiatives.

The annual pilot grants in the Center portfolio include:

Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award for Faculty ($15,000) The purpose of this award is to enhance optimal health and well-being and improve care and treatment of older persons through research in diverse settings. Applications must use an interdisciplinary team approach that includes a minimum of two professional disciplines.

 Available to: Faculty 

Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award for PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows ($3,000) The purpose of this award is to enhance optimal health and well-being and improve care and treatment of older persons through research in diverse settings. 

Available to: PhD students and postdoctoral fellows

Woodrow W. Morris Gerontology Research Award for Faculty ($5,000) The purpose of this award is to support research that focuses on the resources, statuses, abilities, and needs of older persons. 

Available to: Faculty

Jo Hoyt Freeman Dementia Education and Outreach Fund ($10,000) The purpose of this award is to support research that focuses on dementia education and outreach.  Preference is given for projects that use a "train the trainer" approach and include a "champion team" of registered nurses and/or certified nursing assistants within each designated facility who will lead the project. 

Available to: Faculty

To Apply

The Csomay Center is not currently accepting applications for pilot grant funding. 

Additional information about the next funding cycle will be available fall 2024.

Recently Funded Projects

  • Alison Anderson: Clusters of Continuous Glucose, Sleep Monitoring, and Pain
    • Fund: Barbara and Richard Csomay Faculty Research Award
  • Chelsea Howland: Engaging Rural Adults with T2DM in Adaptation of a Physical Activity Intervention for a Mobile App
    • Fund: Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award for PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows 
  • Chooza Moon: Circadian Rhythm and Neural Circulatory in Later Life Adults
    • Fund: Jo Hoyt Freeman Dementia Education and Outreach Fund & Woodrow W. Morris Gerontology Research

  • Alaa AlBashayreh: Natural Language Processing to Measure Person-Centeredness of Care in Older Persons with Palliative Care Needs
    • Fund: Barbara and Richard Csomay Faculty Research Award
  • Andrea Strayer: A Human Factors Approach to Understanding the Work of Older People Living with and having Surgery for Degenerative Spine Disease
    • Fund: Barbara and Richard Csomay Gerontology Research Award for PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows 
  • Chelsea Howland: Usability and Acceptance of the Fitbit Inspire 3 in Rural Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
    • Fund: Woodrow W. Morris Gerontology Research Award

  • Claire Shaw: The CHAT-Acute Pilot Study: Adapting and Evaluating an Online Educational Program for Elderspeak Reduction in Acute Care
    • Fund: Jo Hoyt Freeman Dementia Education and Outreach Fund
  • Natany da Costa Ferreira Oberfrank: Developing and validation an instrument for heart failure symptom management motivation
    • Fund: Woodrow W. Morris Gerontology Research Grant
  • Kyung Soo Kim: Experts Evaluation for an Art Making Intervention for Older Persons with Chronic Pain
    • Fund: Barbara and Richard Csomay Faculty Research Award

Promotion of Research


The Center seeks to collaborate with a broad cross-section of community partners, interdisciplinary UI researchers, students, practitioners, and external stakeholders to identify and pursue funding opportunities that address key geriatric and gerontological issues.  We engage with a diverse group of entities that share our vision for advancing optional aging through innovative technologies, practice, and products.  Research promotion activities involve collaborations to identify funding opportunities, advance inter-disciplinary and community engagement, and build infrastructure to advance both discovery and translation to practice.  We are constantly looking for new partners and invite all interested parties to contact us at csomy-center@uiowa.edu.