Request for Proposals – Development and Testing of an Aroma-Memory Device for Learning

Objective and Rationale

Odor cues are powerful memory anchors. By linking a specific aroma to material at encoding (studying) and re-presenting a matched aroma at retrieval (testing), one may boost recall and grades. This funding opportunity supports the design, prototyping, and testing of a simple portable device that pairs distinct aromas with study sessions to enhance recall during exams (context-dependent memory).

The awardee will:
1. develop a simple prototype and
2. conduct a randomized controlled study to evaluate effects on exam performance

Funding

Up to $50,000 will be awarded in this cycle to cover prototype development, participant compensation, and study execution. Active engagement on ResearchHub may yield additional ResearchCoin (RSC) rewards. Projects are expected to be completed within 12 months of fund disbursement.

Expectations

Prototype: As simple a device or implementation as possible to be able to assess the efficacy of scent-memory matching.

Study: Proposals should clearly define a study design considering randomization, sample-size justification (provide power rationale and detectable effect), procedures, blinding, outcomes, statistical analysis plan, IRB etc.

Note: Proposals should be written in the format of the “Proposal template” within the Notebook on ResearchHub.

Disclaimers and Open Science Commitment

Preregistration: Submitted proposals are preregistered on ResearchHub by default.
Open-Access Data Sharing: De-identified data, analysis code, and device designs will be deposited in an open repository.
Preprint: Applicants are encouraged to publish a preprint on ResearchHub.
Progress Updates: Quarterly updates are expected.

Eligibility

Open to PhD students, postdoc fellows, faculty, and qualified industry teams; cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged.
Applicants are encouraged to verify and thoroughly populate their ResearchHub profiles.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include the non-profit affiliated with their Universities during the application process.

Questions

For questions please contact Jeffrey Koury (jeff@researchhub.foundation)

RFP

RFP

Request for Proposals – Development and Testing of an Aroma-Memory Device for Learning

Request for Proposals – Development and Testing of an Aroma-Memory Device for Learning