The CTF Consortium is a collaborative, translational research model bringing together leading physicians and researchers across Pittsburgh.

As the only research initiative in Allegheny County focused exclusively on translational research across all forms of dementia, the CTF Consortium leverages complementary expertise to accelerate results and maximize donor investment, generating up to three times the impact of traditional funding models!

CTF has learned that many novel research ideas fail not because they lack merit, but because they lack the early funding needed to produce the preliminary data required for National Institute of Health (NIH) grant applications. The CTF Consortium provides critical seed funding to bridge this gap, enabling high-potential research to generate the preliminary data necessary to pursue larger NIH and National Institute of Aging (NIA) grants.

Since the Consortium’s inauguration in 2020, CTF has awarded a total of $550,000 to the cutting-edge research being performed through this collaborative group. Funding is awarded on a two-year project grant cycle.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

As part of our ongoing commitment towards impact, ensuring the most cutting-edge translational research remains supported, we are pleased to announce the release of an open RFP for our 2026–2027 CTF Consortium funding cycle. The RFP application period will be open from March 1 - May 1, 2026.  Researchers located in Pittsburgh, PA who meet the qualifications outlined in the RFP guidelines are encouraged to apply.

Learn how you can join us to help fund the fight! Get Involved

Past CTF Consortium Members

Discover the researchers behind the breakthroughs—click on a profile photo to learn more about their work!

CTF Consortium dementia researcher Dr. Robert FriedlanderDr. Robert Friedlander is no longer affiliated with UPMC or the University of Pittsburgh, stepping down from his role as Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery in December of 2025. 

CTF Consortium dementia researcher Dr. Oscar LopezDirector of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC)

CTF Consortium dementia researcher Dr. Amantha ThathiahPitt Associate Professor of Neurobiology; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND)

The CTF Consortium serves as a catalyst, bringing together three highly productive research groups with complementary expertise. This chart highlights the areas in which the research of previously funded members explored their overlapping entities and shared collaboration.