In 1981, Dr. Irving S. Wright, a noted cardiologist and past president of the American Heart Association, brought together a group of far-sighted scientists and lay people to found the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR). This group, with support from the corporate and foundation sector, set out to find, fund and nurture talented scientists and encourage them to pursue lifelong careers in research focused on the aging process and age-related diseases.

The Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction is named in honor of the founder of the American Federation for Aging Research and is intended to honor exceptional contributions to basic or clinical research in the field of aging by member of the scientific community. The award is a framed citation and carries a cash prize of $2,500. The "Wright Award of Distinction Lecture" will be given by the recipient at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America.

Nominations for this award are by invitation only.

Honorees

2012: Jan Vijg, PhD

2011: Steven N. Austad, PhD

2010: Nir Barzilai, MD

2009: Woodring Wright, MD, PhD

2008: Arlan G. Richardson, PhD

2007: Richard A. Miller, MD, PhD

2006: Robert D. Terry, MD

2005: Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH

2004: John Trojanowski, MD, PhD
Roy Walford, MD

2002: Judith Campisi, PhD
Mary Tinetti, MD

2001: John Holloszy, MD

2000: Edward Lakatta, MD

1999: Caleb Finch, PhD

1998: Donald L. Price, MD

1997: Denham Harman, MD, PhD
Rajindar S. Sohal, PhD

1996: George M. Martin, MD

1995: Edward J. Masoro, PhD

1994: T. Franklin Williams, MD

1993: William Hazzard, MD

1992: John Rowe, MD

1991: John C. Beck, MD

1990: David H. Solomon, MD

1989: Vincent J. Cristofalo, PhD

1988: Lissy F. Jarvik, MD

1987: Irving S. Wright, MD

1986: James. E. Birren, PhD

1985: Reubin Andres, MD

1984: Leonard Hayflick, PhD

1983: Robert N. Butler, MD

1982: Nathan W. Shock, PhD