Since its founding, AFAR has granted $225,316,000 to 4,539 talented researchers, physicians, and medical students to conduct research and to help them begin and further careers in aging research and geriatric medicine. We have an established national network with most research institutions in the U.S., as well as expanding networks worldwide.
AFAR’s Biology of Aging grant programs have demonstrated over the years that by studying the basic biology of aging and aging mechanisms underlying age-related diseases, we can potentially delay many common, chronic diseases, including cancer, stroke, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
AFAR awards 35-40 grants and scholarships each year. They are selected through a rigorous review process led by expert committees.
These grants support research along a continuum, from very basic studies of model systems, molecules and cells, to studies that are building on very early stage translational research addressing human aging and health span.
AFAR’s grant programs include:
The Beeson and MSTAR Programs were designed to address the continued and growing need for doctors who can address the many complex needs of an aging population. Equally important is the need for age-related research that leads to optimal care of older adults. Much progress has been made over the past two decades, but further significant commitment is needed to train the future leaders in aging and geriatric medicine. Currently, fewer than 7,500 geriatricians have the expertise to care for older Americans. The projected need is for 30,000 geriatricians by the year 2030 to care for about 21 million older Americans. We also need to train more physicians in other specialties and subspecialties to focus on the age-related aspects of their specialty or subspecialty.
Investments in these programs, ensure that a group of physician-scientists, focused in the areas of aging and geriatrics, will be groomed as researchers, teachers, and leaders.
AFAR helps promote these grant programs supporting physician-scientists:
According to respondents in a recent AFAR Grantee Survey:
AFAR grants are selected through a meticulous, scientifically rigorous review process to ensure that only the most promising science receives our support.
Members of AFAR’s Scientific Review Committees—over 200 members strong—are accomplished experts in biomedical research on aging, including past AFAR grantees.
AFAR’s grant review process is regarded as the gold-star standard in the field.
- Subhash D. Katewa, PhD, 2014 AFAR Research Grant for Junior Faculty
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
