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 Graduate Student Awards in Geroscience recognizes talented graduate students who show great promise to become of the next generation of leaders in aging research. To be considered for the award, a candidate must be nominated by their PhD mentor or other leader in geroscience, aging research or a related discipline.
The award recognizes students enrolled in MD, DO, PhD, or combined-degree programs in the United States, who:
• Have a strong academic record
• Have a track record of high-quality and relevant research in geroscience, biology of aging, or related discipline.
• Are highly motivated and inquisitive
• Show promise to become leaders in geroscience and aging research
Up to ten awards will be awarded in 2026. Each award is $5,000 and should be used towards research and/or academic advancement: workshops, conferences etc.; no indirect costs or overhead are allowed. The award will be paid to the institution, not to the awardee.
NOTE: Please review the materials carefully as the program has changed in 2026. Students now need to be nominated by their graduate school mentor, faculty member or other senior professional. Nominations are reviewed based on leadership potential rather than a research project. We suggest that you review the nomination form thoroughly and be in touch with grants@afar.org with any questions.
Nominees must:
• Have completed at least two years of an MD, DO, PhD, or combined degree program by October 1, 2026.
• Be in good standing at a not-for-profit institution in the United States, such as universities, medical schools, hospitals, or non-government agencies.
• Work in a laboratory that focuses on geroscience research, biology of aging research, or related discipline. Students who are affiliated with a lab or research group with a clinical, epidemiology, health services, or outcome research focus will not be considered.
Nominations will be evaluated by an AFAR Scientific Committee on the basis of:
• Nominee’s scientific potential, originality of ideas, and independence.
• Nominee’s potential to advance the field of geroscience and/or aging research, including how their research may contribute to understanding the mechanisms of aging or improving healthspan.
• Nominee’s evidence of resilience, leadership, mentorship of peers, or contributions to collaborative science.
• Nominee’s quality and impact of contributions relative to opportunity.
The deadline for receipt of all nominations and supporting materials is Friday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Nominations can be made by the student’s mentor, faculty member or other senior professional. Only one nomination is allowed per mentor/lab. Please refer to the Kalman/AFAR Award Instruction Sheet and Nomination Form for complete nomination procedures. Nominations should be submitted through the online nomination form, available here. Incomplete nominations cannot be considered. Nominees will be notified by late July 2026.
The Kalman/AFAR Graduate Student Awards in Geroscience are supported by Diana Jacobs Kalman, and individual contributions.
