AFAR hosted its Annual Awards Dinner and Scientific Symposium on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 in New York City at Lotte New York Palace. The event kicked off with a scientific symposium from 2-5 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards ceremony from 6-9 p.m.
Every year at its awards dinner, AFAR recognizes leaders across the private and philanthropic sectors whose dedication to research is helping advance discoveries and therapeutics poised to help us all live healthier for longer.
This year, AFAR presented its George E. and Mary J. Doty Award to Jim Mellon, Chairman of Juvenescence Limited. A UK-based entrepreneur, Mellon co-founded Juvenescence Limited to develop therapies for aging and the diseases of aging.
“It is an honor to be recognized by AFAR, an organization that is a pioneer in aging research,” Mellon said. “The field could not have advanced to where we are today without AFAR’s vision and willingness—for more than 3 decades, often lonely decades—to take chances on funding the scientists who are conducting innovative studies that serve as the basis for so many of the therapies that are being developed today.”
Additionally, AFAR recognized its annual Scientific Awards of Distinction. Laura Niedernhofer, M.D., Ph.D. of the University of Minnesota was recognized with the Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research.
David Sinclair, Ph.D. of Harvard Medical School received AFAR’s Irving S. Wright Award and gave a lecture on promising interventions poised to enhance healthy aging.
Emmy-Award winning producer Meredith Vieira served as master of ceremonies. Vieira also recently hosted the PBS documentary Incredible Aging, which features 14 AFAR experts.
Preceding the dinner, AFAR hosted a scientific symposium discussing new therapies in aging research and highlighting opportunities for investment. Panelists included: AFAR Deputy Scientific Director and multiple grantee Nir Barzilai, M.D., of Einstein College of Medicine, Veronica Galvan, Ph.D., of the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies at the University of Texas Health San Antonio, AFAR board member and multiple grantee Thomas Rando, M.D., Ph.D., of the Stanford University, and AFAR board member and grantee David Sinclair, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School. AFAR Board Member Pol Vandenbroucke, M.D. facilitated. Dr. Vandenbroucke is Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, Pfizer Essential Health.
All photos: Nir Arieli Photography
