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RCCN Workshop Travel Awards for Early Career Investigators: “Nutrition and Aging Biology”

    June 25-26, 2024 | San Francisco, CA

    The goal of the NIA’s Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) is to bring together researchers from the 7 NIA Centers programs to foster the development of cross-center collaborations around issues important to the health and well-being of older adults.


    The RCCN is sponsoring a workshop series to address problems of high relevance to multiple NIA Center programs. These workshops will feature the sharing of paradigms, conceptual models, and key insights from perspectives of the participating centers programs.


    The tenth workshop, “Nutrition and Aging Biology”, will be held June 25 and 26, 2024 in San Francisco, CA. The scope of the workshop is broad and includes these themes: Caloric Restriction’s Effect on Lifespan and Healthspan, Intake Timing, Treating Obesity in Older Adults, and Other Approaches and Considerations.


    The format of the workshop will include a series of brief talks (think TED talks) providing high level conceptual introductions of key aspects as they relate to nutrition and aging biology. Presentations will be followed by moderated discussions. The meeting will have a dedicated session discussing areas that would be most promising for inter-center collaboration.


    Pilot funding for collaborative research is available for researchers affiliated with two or more different center programs to address promising areas arising from the workshop proceedings.


    Travel Awards are available for approximately 10 early career investigators or investigators in training, who will participate in a special session at the meeting on June 25, that will focus on career development. The travel awards will cover travel to and from the meeting, meals, and hotel accommodations. Successful applicants will be affiliated with institutions with at least one NIA supported center, and who have demonstrated translational or multidisciplinary interests in aging related to the workshop topic. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups are particularly encouraged to apply. For applicants who are not selected for this award but are still interested in attending the meeting, limited space may be available.


    Application:

    Submit your application using this form for the virtual travel award for the 2024 RCCN Workshop " Nutrition and Aging Biology" by Monday, March 25, 2024. Decisions will be made no later than Monday, April 1, 2024.


    Please complete the form and upload one PDF that includes the following: Cover Page, Statement of interest (500 words or less), NIH-style biosketch, and Statement of support from the appropriate NIA Center Director (100 words or less). The statement of interest should address what you hope to gain from the workshop.


    Questions?

    Any questions about the workshop or the travel stipend can be directed to Elizabeth Pritchett-Montavon at elizabeth@afar.org.







    Seed Pilots for Aging Research Collaboration (SPARC): RCCN Pilot Grants to Promote Inter-NIA Center Collaborative Research

      The Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) goal is to catalyze enduring, collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects across NIA center programs by funding pilot, planning or meeting grants of up to $65,000. Proposals should address topics spanning the missions of multiple NIA Center programs. Relevant topics are exemplified by the themes of RCCN-sponsored workshops, but other topics relevant to the NIA center programs will also be considered. Each project should involve at least two NIA-sponsored research centers. There are two deadlines annually and up to two awards will be granted each cycle.


      This award program is sponsored by the NIA’s Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN). The RCCN’s goal is to bring together researchers from the 7 NIA Centers programs to foster the development of cross-center collaborations around issues important to the health and well-being of older adults.

      The RCCN sponsors a series of workshops addressing specific problems of high salience to multiple NIA Center programs. These workshops feature the sharing of paradigms, conceptual models, and key insights from perspectives of the participating centers programs. Workshops include:



      After the workshops, publications are developed summarizing the proceedings and priority areas; past publications are available here.




      The Butler-Williams Scholars Program: The Preeminent Aging Research Career Development Program

        The Butler-Williams Scholars Program provides unique opportunities for junior faculty, researchers new to the field of aging, and postdoctoral fellows to gain insight about aging research. The program offers a variety of perspectives and includes presentations, seminars, and interactive small group activities and discussions.


        About the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

        The Butler-Williams Scholars Program is held annually in the summer.

        Presentations cover research topics including: the biology of aging; genetics and Alzheimer's disease; health, behavior, and aging; and health disparities research related to aging. Discussion sessions focus on methodological approaches and interventions. The program also includes support and consultation for the development of attendees' research interests and advice on preparing and submitting research grant applications to NIA — directly from NIA scientific review and program officers!


        Who Should Apply?

        Applications are sought from emerging researchers, including those who may have limited involvement in research on aging. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or permanent resident. As an offering of the NIA Office of Special Populations, researchers with an interest in health disparities research related to aging are encouraged to apply. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, including individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, and women, are always encouraged to apply for NIH support.

        Qualified applicants must hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Dr.PH., M.D., D.O., etc.). Only applicants working in the field of aging — or actively pursuing this research field — will be considered.


        Applicant Evaluation Criteria

        Applications are reviewed each spring. Participants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

        • Previous experience and training

        • Affiliation with a NIA-supported research university or laboratory

        • Letters of recommendation

        • A brief statement of objectives for attending the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

        • Specific aims page


        How to Apply to the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

        Application information for the Butler-Williams Scholars Program is made available each fall/winter. Applicants will be notified of acceptance within 60 days of the submission deadline. Generally, the application requirements include:

        • Statement of 150 words or less describing your objectives in attending the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.

        • Letters of recommendation from two people familiar with your professional interests and scholastic achievements. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure letters of recommendation are received.

        • One-page specific aims. Please include a full specific aims page as would be seen in an application for award. Be sure to discuss expected outcome and impact of your research.

        • NIH Biographical Sketch (General).


        Application and Additional Resources

        The resources below can help applicants develop successful applications for the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.


        Learn more about the Butler-Williams Scholars Program

        Contact the NIA Office of Special Populations to learn more about the Butler-Williams Scholars Program.

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