The Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction is named in honor of AFAR’s founder and recognizes exceptional contributions to basic or clinical research in the field of aging. Established in 1982, the award is a framed citation and carries a cash prize of $5,000. David B. Allison, PhD, is the dean and Distinguished Professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Continuously NIH-funded as a PI for over 25 years, he has authored more than 700 scientific publications. An elected member of the National Academy of Medicine of the National Academies and leader in obesity, nutrition and aging research. He is recognized for his unique contributions to biomedical aging research through statistical methods, research rigor, and collaboration. Learn more about his research here.

The Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research is named in honor of the late Dr. Cristofalo, who dedicated his career to aging research and encouraged young scientists to investigate important issues in the biology of aging. Established in 2008, the award is a framed citation and carries a cash prize of $5,000. Daniel W. Belsky, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Mailman School of Public Health (Department of Epidemiology and Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center) at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). Sitting at the intersection of public health, population and behavioral science, and genomics, his research aims to reduce social inequalities in aging outcomes in the US and elsewhere. He is recognized for advancing the development of biomarkers in aging. Learn more about his research here.

The George M. Martin Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award is named in honor of George M. Martin, MD (1927-2022), a pioneer in the field of aging research and AFAR’s Scientific Director for more than a decade, who devoted his long, distinguished career to growing the field of aging research while fostering the careers of junior colleagues. The Award recognizes individuals who during their careers demonstrated extraordinary mentorship in the field of aging research. It carries a cash prize of $5,000. Arlan Richardson, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Physiology and the Donald W. Reynolds Endowed Chair of Aging Research at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences. Dr. Richardson’s research focuses on the effect of dietary restriction on gene expression, testing the oxidative stress theory of aging, and most recently, studying the effect of necroptosis on aging and age-related diseases. He has mentored and directed the research of more than 100 MS and PhD graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty and is recognized for his clear vision and his sense of caring and support for his trainees. Learn more about his research here.