Please note: The 2013 awards are closed and applications are no longer being accepted. The tentative deadline for applications for the 2014 awards is January 15, 2014; please check back in fall 2013 for updated application materials.

It is a well-known fact that America’s population is aging dramatically – 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 Glenn/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.  The program 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

Up to ten scholarships will be awarded in 2013.  They will enable PhD, MD, and DO candidates at any level to undertake a three-to-six-month research project on a subject related to the basic sciences and aging.  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
• Invertebrate or vertebrate animal models
• Cardiovascular aging
• Aging and cellular stress response
• Metabolic and endocrine changes
• Age-related changes in cell proliferation
• Caloric restriction and aging
• DNA repair and control of gene expression
• Biology of the menopause
• Aging and apoptosis
• Biodemographic analysis of aging
• Comparative gerontology
• Evolutionary biological aspects of the biology of aging
• Macular degeneration*
• Regenerative biology
• RNA control of gene expression in relation to age-related diseases

*For the 2013 program, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on age-related macular degeneration, and a portion of the available funds will be set aside for this purpose.

The research project must be carried out under the supervision of a faculty mentor.  It may be carried out in any not-for-profit setting, such as universities, medical schools, hospitals, or non-government agencies.  Applicants who also receive NIH, NSF or DOD stipend support are eligible to receive the Glenn/AFAR Scholarship. However, recipients cannot hold any other awards or scholarships concurrently with the Glenn/AFAR Scholarship.  Each scholarship carries an award of $5,000.  No indirect costs or overhead are allowed.  Award recipients will be invited to attend the 2014 AFAR Grantee Conference. 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree students in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States.  Applicants may not hold another award or participate in another scholarship program concurrently with the Glenn/AFAR Scholarship.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by an AFAR Scientific Committee on the basis of:

• The qualifications and ability of the applicant, as demonstrated by academic performance, statement of purpose, and letter of reference
• The merit and feasibility of the proposed research project and its relevance to aging
• The qualifications of the designated mentor, his or her endorsement of the research project, assurance of active supervision, and demonstrated commitment to aging research and to the student
• Likelihood that the project will advance the applicant’s interest and career in aging research
• Quality of the research environment

Application Procedures

The deadline for receipt of all applications and supporting materials is January 15, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. EST.  Please refer to the Glenn/AFAR Scholarships Instruction Sheet and Application for complete application procedures. Incomplete applications cannot be considered.

Applicants will be notified on funding decisions or around April 30, 2013. If funded, the project start date must be before December 31, 2013.

Click here for our Frequently Asked Questions page.

  
If you are using human subjects or animals in your research, please review Points to Consider in Completing an AFAR Application.

 

Reporting Requirements

The Scholarship recipients will be required to submit a full report detailing their research methods and findings within 90 days of completing the research projects.  Similarly, the mentor will be required to provide an evaluation of the student’s performance and impressions of the impact of the program on the student’s career.  Instructions on how to format and submit these reports can be found here. 

 

Annual Meeting

The award recipients are expected to attend the AFAR Grantee Conference which convenes AFAR grant recipients and leaders in the field to review and disseminate the research progress and findings of the grantees.  The meeting encourages networking, facilitates collaboration, and enhances the development of leadership.

 

Major Sponsors:

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research

The purpose of the foundation, founded in 1965 by Paul F. Glenn, is to extend the healthy productive years of life through research on the mechanisms of biological aging. The Glenn Foundation does not solicit or accept charitable contributions.

 

The Glenn/AFAR Student Scholarship Program was previously known as the AFAR Student Fellowships, and was administered by the American Foundation for Aging Research, based in North Carolina.