Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program

MSTAR Logo 112014

Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the MSTAR program encourages medical students--particularly budding researchers--to consider a career in academic geriatrics by awarding short-term scholarships. MSTAR celebrates its 28th year in 2022.

Interested students should be in touch directly with the National Training Centers to for the program deadline and application materials.

The Program

The MSTAR Program provides medical students with an enriching experience in aging-related research and geriatrics, with the mentorship of top experts in the field. This program introduces students to research and academic experiences early in their training that they might not otherwise have during medical school. Positive experiences in the MSTAR program have led many physicians-in-training to pursue academic careers in aging, ranging from basic science to clinical research to health services research. They have joined the growing cadre of physicians and scientists whose specialized knowledge and skills are in great demand as our population ages.

Students participate in an eight- to twelve-week (or 2-3 months, depending on the training site) structured research, clinical, and didactic program in geriatrics, appropriate to their level of training and interests. Research projects are offered in basic, translational, clinical, or health services research relevant to older people. Most scholars will do their training and research during the summer months. They will also be invited to submit an abstract to present a poster at the Annual Meeting of the American Geriatrics Society.

Program Structure

Applicants will compete for approximately 100 scholarships at seven National Training Centers (NTC) supported by the National Institute on Aging.

The stipend level is approximately $1,980 per month; actual amounts will vary based on the specific appointment period of individual students. Students who elect to participate in the scholarship program at a National Training Center will not receive additional funds for travel and housing. The length of research time is determined by the student in consultation with the research mentor, but a minimum of 8 weeks of time is required and up to 12 weeks of funding may be available (some National Training Centers have predetermined program lengths).

Eligibility

Any allopathic or osteopathic medical student in good standing, who will have successfully completed one year of medical school at a U.S. institution by June 2024. Evidence of good standing must be provided by the medical school registrar or dean when the student is notified of receiving the award.

Applicants must be citizens or non-citizen nationals of the United States, or must have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., in possession of a currently valid Alien Registration Receipt Card I-551, or some other legal verification of such status.) Individuals on temporary or student visas are not eligible. Due to NIA restrictions, individuals holding PhD, MD, DVM, or equivalent doctoral degrees in the health sciences are not eligible to apply to do the MSTAR Program.

The NIA and other sponsoring organizations have a strong interest in continuing to diversify the research workforce committed to advancing the fields of aging and geriatrics research. Therefore, students who are members of ethnic or racial groups underrepresented in these fields, students with disabilities, or students whose background and experience are likely to diversify the research or medical questions being addressed, are encouraged to apply.

Additionally, applicants receiving a stipend or salary support from a federal source are not eligible for this program. Applicants may not hold another award or participate in another program concurrently with the MSTAR program, and must participate in the program full-time for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 weeks.

Application Procedures and Guidelines

Please be in touch directly with the National Training Centers for their program deadline and application materials.

All National Training Centers offer excellent facilities, diverse research programs and provide the opportunity to interact with other students participating in the program.

Scholars will be chosen on the basis of their academic excellence, interest in geriatrics, and potential for success.

Reporting Requirements

Reporting requirements for students participating in the MSTAR Program will be determined by the individual training site.

All students will also be invited to submit an abstract to present a poster of their research project at the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Annual Meeting. For suggestions on how to prepare a poster visit https://posterbuzz.com/.

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More Funding Opportunities

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

Who is Eligible: MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree students who have completed at least two years by the start date of the scholarship
Research Area:
Biology of aging
Scholarship Amount: $5,000
Program Period: 3-6 months
Awards Given: Up to 10
Deadline: April 15, 2024

Hevolution Foundation Scientific Conferences Fund

Who is eligible: Non-profit organizations, public and private universities, colleges, laboratories and government agencies in North America (Canada, United States of America, and Mexico)
Amount of award: Up to $10,000 per meeting
Deadline: January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31

Small Research Grant Program for the Next Generation of Researchers in Alzheimer's Disease (R03)

Who is Eligible: Early stage investigators in AD/ADRD research and established researchers who are not currently doing AD/ADRD research
Research area: Alzheimer’s Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementias
Award Amount: $200,000
Award Period: 2 years
Awards Given: approximately 12
Deadlines: February 16, June 16, and October 16.

McKnight Brain Research Foundation Innovator Awards in Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss

Who is eligible: Independent Assistant and Associate Professors
Research area: Cognitive Aging and Memory Loss
Amount of award: $750,000
Award period: 3 years
Number of awards given: Two
Deadline for application: The deadline has passed for 2023

Hevolution/AFAR New Investigator Awards in Aging Biology and Geroscience Research

Who is eligible: Junior investigators (MDs and/or PhDs) with at least 3 years of independent research. Eligible investigators must be at an academic, government or non-profit institution in the US or Canada.
Research area: Basic biology of aging or geroscience
Amount of award: USD375,000
Award period: 3 years
Number of awards given: 18
Deadline for LOI: The deadline has passed for 2023

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and AFAR Grants for Junior Faculty

Who is eligible: Independent Junior Faculty
Research area: Biology of aging
Amount of award: $150,000
Award period: 1 or 2 years
Number of awards given: Approximately 10
Deadline for LOI: The deadline has passed for 2024

Glenn Foundation Discovery Award

Who is Eligible: Full-time faculty at the rank of Assistant Professor or higher
Research Focus: Biology of aging
Award Amount: $525,000
Award Period: 3 years
Awards Given: 2
Letter of Intent Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024

Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research

Who is Eligible: Postdoctoral fellows
Research Focus: Basic and translational research that builds on early discoveries that show translational potential for clinical relevant strategies
Award Amount: $75,000
Award Period: 1 year
Awards Given: 10
Letter of Intent Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024

The Sagol Network GerOmic Award for Junior Faculty

Who is eligible: Independent Junior Faculty

Research area: Aging-related -omics research

Amount of award: $150,000

Award period: 1 or 2 years

Number of awards given: 1

Letter of Intent Deadline: The deadline has passed for 2024