Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Graduate Student Awards in Geroscience Grant

The Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging offer MD, DO, PhD, or combined-degree students the opportunity to conduct research on aging. Established by Diana Jacobs Kalman, a leader in aging science, the program addresses the challenges of an aging population. By awarding up to ten scholarships, it aims to foster innovative research and improve the quality of life for older adults. Proposed projects should focus on specific areas like immune function, inflammation, and genetic control of longevity.

NOTE: Students now need to be nominated by their graduate school mentor, faculty member or other senior professional. Nominations are reviewed based on leadership potential rather than a research project. Only one nomination is allowed per mentor/lab.
Diana Jacobs Kalman has had a longtime passion for the science of healthy aging and has been an active board member of the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) board since 1993, including six years as Chair and currently as Chair Emeritus. Under her direction, AFAR has grown into the vibrant, future-focused organization it is today, dedicated to nurturing the growth and advancement of early career scientists in the field of aging research. Diana has been a true inspiration, driving the growth and development of the field forward into the twenty-first century.
The Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Graduate Student Awards in Geroscience recognizes talented graduate students who show great promise to become of the next generation of leaders in aging research. To be considered for the award, a candidate must be nominated by their PhD mentor or other leader in geroscience, aging research or a related discipline.
The award recognizes students enrolled in MD, DO, PhD, or combined-degree programs in the United States, who:
Have a strong academic recordHave a track record of high-quality and relevant research in geroscience, biology of aging, or related discipline.Are highly motivated and inquisitiveShow promise to become leaders in geroscience and aging research
Up to ten awards will be awarded in 2026. Each award is $5,000 and should be used towards research and/or academic advancement: workshops, conferences etc. The award will be paid to the institution, not to the awardee.

Eligibility

Nominees must:Have completed at least two years of an MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree program by October 1, 2026.Be in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States, such as universities, medical schools, hospitals, or non-government agencies.Work in a laboratory that focuses on geroscience research, biology of aging research, or related discipline.

Ineligibility

Students who are affiliated with a lab or research group with a clinical, epidemiology, health services, or outcome research focus will not be considered.