Emerging leaders are clinically trained (primarily physician) early-stage investigators who have begun to establish research careers and have shown signs of leadership potential who will use this award to further develop the tools, skills and resources to have a significant impact in their field of expertise.
The National Institute on Aging is pursuing this initiative to recruit talented new investigators who have begun to establish research programs and through this award will be ready to assume leadership roles in their field of expertise and well poised to change theory, practice and health outcomes related to the health of older individuals. Unlike other mentored K awards candidates for this award must have received competitively awarded research support as a PD/PI at the faculty level and have had prior leadership responsibilities in the clinical or research domain.
It is anticipated that seven to ten awards will be granted in 2027. Each award is up to 5 years, with up to $225,000 in direct costs per year.
Please view the Grant Opportunity Forecast here, we will update as we know more.
Deadline: estimated to be June 13, 2026 for 2027 funding
Read this description of the Beeson Program on the NIA website that has helpful information on eligibility and applying.
All scientific/research inquiries should be directed to:
NIA Training Office
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Email: NIAtraining@nih.gov
The Beeson program had its impetus in a series of Institute of Medicine reports that, beginning in 1978, highlighted a growing need for physicians trained in aging-related issues. After the 1993 report called for more support of geriatrics research and training, Donna Regenstreif, PhD, Senior Program Officer of The John A. Hartford Foundation; Margaret Mahoney, then-President of The Commonwealth Fund; and Ray Handlan, Senior Advisor of The Atlantic Philanthropies, began discussing joint strategies for addressing the shortage of physicians interested in aging and dedicated to teaching, research, and practice.
In 1994, a group of foundations and nonprofit organizations launched the Paul B. Beeson Physician Faculty Scholars in Aging Research Program, now known as the Paul B. Beeson Career Development Awards in Aging Research Program. This group set out a large award—$450,000 over three years—and named the program after one of medicine's leading physician-scientists. It gathered some of the most talented senior leaders in geriatrics and aging research to oversee the award winners' selection. The intent was to create a dynamic new cadre of physician-scientists capable of developing breakthrough research, committed to mentoring and teaching the next generation of physicians about the care of older adults, and able to provide needed leadership for the field. In 2004, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) added its support to the program, expanding the size of the award to $600,000 to $800,000 for a three- to five-year period. NIA and the American Federation for Aging Research currently share administrative responsibilities for the program, with AFAR conducting the Beeson annual meeting.
This distinguished leader in medicine, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 97, exemplified the word "physician" — accomplished in the art of healing and the treatment of disease. His contributions as a scientist, clinician, and teacher have greatly expanded knowledge and understanding of the human condition, and in pursuing his work, he never lost focus on the importance of care in serving people. Dr. Beeson was Chairman of Medicine at Emory and Yale Medical Schools, Nuffield Professor at Oxford University and Professor and distinguished VA Physician at the University of Washington. He chaired the first Institute of Medicine study on "Aging and Medical Education" in 1978. His leadership as an editor of the Cecil Textbook of Medicine greatly influenced medical education. From his research and patient care base, he grew increasingly interested in the process of aging. This interest led to a commitment that included his editorship of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. He profoundly influenced the career paths of many young physicians, several of whom now form the core leadership in geriatric medicine. Dr. Beeson was, in short, a physician who exemplified the William Osler tradition of excellence.
Download 2019 Beeson Report
To explore previous Beeson Scholars' research and insights, download a range of archived Beeson Reports below.
For additional support, please contact AFAR's grants team at 212.703.9977 or email below.
