American Federation for Aging Research

09/18/2026

For September, , AFAR shares a very special ‘View from AFAR’ post from Barbara Gatje, daughter of our founder, Irving S. Wright, MD. She’s also a SuperAger, exemplifying a vibrant life at 95.

In this clip captured by her daughter, AFAR Board Member Alexandra Gatje, Barbara shares her passion for aging research, encouraging us all to live healthier, longer. Watch below and learn more about the AFAR SuperAgers Family Study at www.superagersstudy.org

09/17/2026

Nature Aging published new research on the connection between the protein cyclin D1 in senescent cells and age-related diseases, co-authored by AFAR Grantees Peter Adams, PhD, Nirmalya Dasgupta, PhD, and Karl Miller, PhD, as well as Cristofalo Award recipient Laura J. Niedernhofer, MD, PhD, who is also the Co-Director of the Minnesota Nathan Shock Center, part of the Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center that AFAR helps manage for the NIA/NIH.

Read more in a related press release here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1141954

09/15/2026

AFAR is proud to be part of the new series "Age Reimagined," produced for AFAR by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and presented by the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA).

Backed by insights from AFAR Scientific Director Steven N. Austad, PhD, our documentary short and illustrated article stress how measuring biological aging is key to advancing geroscience and extending healthspan.

Explore more in AFAR’s Age Reimagined content here: https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/age-reimagined/afar-exploring-disease-biology-and-the-evolving-role-of-geroscience-in-ageing-research?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=age_reimagined

09/14/2026

Our 45th Anniversary and 2025 Annual Report, A Community of Discovery, highlights the lasting impact of investing early in promising scientists and the collaborations that can grow from that support.

Introduced by AFAR Scientific Director Steven N. Austad, PhD, the feature story spotlights collaborations among AFAR-funded investigators at leading institutions, whose work continues to advance discoveries in healthy aging. At Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Nir Barzilai, MD, and Sofiya Milman, MD, have built on their AFAR-supported research; at Cedars-Sinai, Sara Espinoza, MD, James L. Kirkland, MD, PhD, and Nicolas Musi, MD, have pursued collaborative approaches to aging research; and at UCLA, Anthony Covarrubias, PhD, and Thomas A. Rando, MD, PhD, continue to explore the biology of aging.

Explore these stories and learn more about the community of discovery fueled by AFAR’s support in our 45th Anniversary and 2025 Annual Report: https://www.afar.org/annual-and-financial-reports

09/11/2026

In celebration of AFAR’s 45th Anniversary, we’re highlighting the people, programs, and milestones that have shaped AFAR and our impact on aging research.

In 1994, a group of visionary foundations and nonprofit organizations led by the John A. Hartford Foundation and AFAR launched the Paul B. Beeson Physician Faculty Scholars in Aging Research Program. In 2004, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) added its support to the program, which expanded the program as the Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award in Aging (K76).

To date, the Beeson Program has boosted the careers of many scholars who have achieved national and international recognition while serving as promoters for the field through their research, leadership, teaching, clinical practice, and advocacy. AFAR continues to host the Annual Beeson Meeting, which brings together recent and alumni Beeson Scholars, mentors, and senior researchers, as well as government officials, for scientific exchange as well as networking and career development sessions.

View past reports highlighting the Beeson Scholars here:
https://www.afar.org/archived-beeson-reports

09/10/2026

It’s not just a ghost story: zombie cells are real and increasing all the time through the process of cellular aging, or cellular senescence.

These “zombie” or senescent cells can no longer divide but can still secrete damaging molecules that contribute to chronic inflammation, weakening of the immune system, and numerous diseases while at the same time, cellular aging serves a useful role in promoting wound healing and protecting against cancer and other conditions.

To explore how a deeper understanding of senescent cells could help promote a longer healthspan, join AFAR and the Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center (NSC3) for a free webinar on Thursday, October 8th from 3pm-4pm ET.

Learn more & RSVP here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1qr1TmB9T0-5-NwI6LjXag

09/10/2026

AFAR is pleased to announce the release of “A Community of Discovery”, our 45th Anniversary and 2025 Annual Report. This report spotlights collaborations among AFAR-funded investigators at leading institutions, in addition to sharing highlights from our grant programs, strategic initiatives, webinars, and more.
Flip-through or download the full report here: https://www.afar.org/annual-and-financial-reports

09/08/2026

AFAR is proud to be featured in the recently launched global series, “Age Reimagined,” produced for AFAR by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and presented by the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA).

The award-winning BBC creative team produced a documentary short exploring the science behind therapeutic innovations and lifestyle interventions poised to keep us healthier, longer—backed by the perspectives of Scientific Director Steven N. Austad, PhD, and Grantee Nathan K. LeBrasseur, PhD.

Preview a clip here and learn more in a companion illustrated article featuring insights from AFAR President Thomas A. Rando, MD, and Board Member Sara Espinoza, MD: https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/age-reimagined/afar-exploring-disease-biology-and-the-evolving-role-of-geroscience-in-ageing-research?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=age_reimagined

09/01/2026

AFAR is proud to be part of the new series "Age Reimagined," produced for AFAR by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions and presented by the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA).

Our feature article spotlights insights from AFAR Board Member Sara Espinoza, MD, MSc.

Describing progress in moving research from bench to bedside, she shares: "In the last 10 to 15 years, we've taken really big strides in trying to translate this work to humans."

Read more about advances in geroscience in AFAR’s Age Reimagined article and watch a companion documentary short film here: https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/age-reimagined/afar-exploring-disease-biology-and-the-evolving-role-of-geroscience-in-ageing-research?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=age_reimagined

08/31/2026

AFAR congratulates AFAR Board Member and multiple Grantee Nir Barzilai, MD; Grantee and Cristofalo Award recipient Jamie L. Justice, PhD; and Grantee and Irving S. Wright Award recipient David Sinclair, AO, PhD, on their recent recognition in TIME's Longevity Leaders 2026 list.
Read here:

From cell resetters to longevity doctors, these 12 trailblazers are marking the way to a longer, healthier life