Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging

Diana Jacobs Kalman

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 Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging aims to give students the chance to learn more about the field of aging research, as well as increase their understanding of the challenges involved in improving the quality of life for older people.

The Program

It is a well-known fact that America's population is aging dramatically and it is estimated that 20% of the population will be 65 years of age and older by 2030. This aging population poses unique scientific and medical challenges that must be met if people are to live long, healthy, and productive lives. Significant research findings in the biology of aging can lead to advances that help people live longer and healthier lives.

In order to continue to attract new generations of talented investigators, the Diana Jacobs Kalman/AFAR Scholarships for Research in the Biology of Aging have been established. The program is designed to give students enrolled in MD, DO, PhD, or combined-degree programs the opportunity to conduct a three-to-six-month research project focused on biomedical research in aging.

Up to ten scholarships will be awarded in 2021. Students are encouraged to make their proposals as focused as possible – the strongest projects are those that focus on a particular subject area. Clinical, epidemiology, health services, and outcome projects will not be considered. Examples of promising areas of research include, but are not limited to:

• Aging and immune function
• Stem cell aging
• Inflammation
• Genetic control of longevity
• Neurobiology and neuropathology of aging
• Mechanisms of dementia
• Invertebrate or vertebrate animal models
• Cardiovascular aging
• Aging and cellular stress response
• Metabolic and endocrine changes
• Macular degeneration
• Regenerative biology
• RNA control of gene expression in relation to age-related diseases

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Have completed at least two years of an MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree program by the start date of the award.
• Be in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States, such as universities, medical schools, hospitals, or non-government agencies. If accepted, applicants will be asked to submit a Proof of Enrollment form confirming their enrollment at a U.S. institution.
• Not hold another award or participate in another scholarship program concurrently with the Kalman/AFAR Scholarship, however those who also receive NIH, NSF or DOD stipend support are eligible to receive the Kalman/AFAR Scholarship.
• Carry out the project under the supervision of a faculty mentor(s).

Ineligibility

• No indirect costs or overhead are allowed.
• Applicants may not hold another award or participate in another scholarship program concurrently with the Glenn/AFAR Scholarship.
• Clinical, epidemiology, health services, and outcome projects will not be considered.