Director's Status Report May 2026

Staff Changes

Mustapha Bourhara, Ph.D., Laboratory of Clinical Investigation LCI), received tenure on March 16, 2026, and will be appointed to a Senior Investigator (effective date to be determined). Dr. Bouhrara earned a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Technology from Hasan I University of Settat, Morocco (2005), a Professional master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Sophia Antipolis University (2007), a Research master’s degree in Morphological, Metabolic, Functional, and Molecular Imaging from Claude Bernard University of Lyon, France (2008), and a Ph.D. in Biophysics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) from Blaise Pascal University of Clermont-Ferrand, France (2012). Dr. Bouhrara joined the LCI as a Postdoctoral Visiting Fellow in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (MRIS) Section in 2012 before transitioning to a Research Fellow in 2017 and a Staff Scientist in 2018. In 2020, Dr. Bouhrara became an Investigator and head of the Magnetic Resonance Physics of Aging and Dementia (MRPAD) Unit, LCI. His team focuses on (1) advancing cerebral microstructure mapping for translational and clinical neuroimaging; (2) studying the impact of cerebral microstructure integrity on cognition, physical function, fluid biomarkers of AD and neuronal injury; and (3) investigating the factors that influence cerebral white matter microstructure.

Lorraine Gibbs, Administrative Officer in the Intramural Research Program (IRP), transferred to the NIH Office of the Director, Executive Office (ODED) effective December 14, 2025. She first joined the IRP in April 2022.

Gregory Noland, Administrative Officer in the Intramural Research Program (IRP), transferred to the NIH Consolidated Office of Acquisitions effective January 24, 2026. He first joined the IRP in April 2024.

Staff Honors

Supriyo De, M.D., Ph.D., was awarded the Arthur S. Flemming Award for his leadership and vision in building a thriving genomics and data science program with a major training component at the IRP, NIA. He played the primary role in establishing state-of-the-art high-throughput omics tools and data analysis infrastructure, including on-premises cloud computing at NIA-IRP, enabling important discoveries in aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Dr. De also strengthened collaboration with the NIH Bethesda campus, an exchange known as the “Baltimore-Bethesda Bridge over Interstate-95.” Through recruiting trainees and staff with diverse expertise and encouraging interdisciplinary research, he has created the infrastructure needed to move priority research on healthy aging and Alzheimer’s Disease forward.

Max Guo, Ph.D., Chief, Cell Biology Branch, Division of Aging Biology, NIA was awarded the NIH Director’s Award. This award recognizes Dr. Guo for his outstanding scientific leadership of the NIH Common Fund 4D Nucleome Program.

Lenore Launer, Ph.D., who retired from the IRP in December 2025, was granted Scientist Emeritus status in January 2026 to continue her invaluable work and mentorship, ensuring continued benefit to the NIA and the broader scientific community. Dr. Launer’s extensive career as an epidemiologist, remarkable contributions to neuroepidemiology and brain health research, and distinguished service within the NIA uniquely qualify her for this prestigious designation. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Launer has identified early- and mid-life cardiovascular risk factors that contribute to adverse brain aging, demonstrated multiple biological pathways through which diabetes increases dementia risk, reframed migraine as a chronic neurovascular condition, and advanced understanding of the role of elevated blood pressure in cognitive decline and dementia.

Charlie Le, a social science analyst in the Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR) at NIA and a PhD student in Health Services Research at the University of Maryland, received the 2026 Seabury Aging Research Fellowship Award. This award honors the retired CEO of Seabury Resources for Aging, Joseph Resch, and provides fellowships for students conducting aging research at UMD’s School of Public Health and Center for Aging.

Theresa Kim, Ph.D., M.S., a program officer in the Division of BSR at NIA, was elected as a fellow of the American Statistical Association (ASA). Dr. Kim manages a portfolio in BSR’s Health Systems Research branch, and this election recognizes her established reputation and outstanding contributions to statistical science and to the ASA.

Priscilla Novak, Ph.D., M.P.H., a health services researcher and Branch Chief in the Division of BSR at NIA, is the recipient of the University of Maryland’s 2026 Early Career Award. The School of Public Health annually selects awardees from the Public Health Emerging and Engaging Leaders (PHEEL) Award recipients, recognizing professional achievement by a Public Health alum who reflects the school’s core values. At NIA, Dr. Novak leads a research portfolio focused on health systems, long-term services and supports, dementia care, and the economics of aging. She serves as Project Scientist or Program Official for several NIA initiatives, including the National Dementia Workforce Study and multi-site coordinating centers supporting innovative research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

The 2025 NIH Director Award Recipients from the IRP:

• Drs. Ruth Chia, Jinhui Ding, and Jesse Gibbs – Scientific/Medical
• Dr. Nigel Greig – Scientific/Medical

The following IRP trainees participated in the NIA/IRP Annual Retreat held on March 24-25, 2026, and were recognized for their posters:

Nathan W. Shock

• Reema Banarjee, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow, Translational Gerontology Branch (TGB)

  “Leveraging the Senescent Cell Surfaceome to Elucidate Senescence Biology and Identify Senotherapeutic Targets”

• Stefano Donega, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow, TGB

  “Reversible Epigenetic Age Acceleration Induced by Intermittent Hypoxia in Old Mice”

• Luis Rojas-Colon, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow, Laboratory of Neurogenetics (LNG)

  “Bursting activity shapes toxin-induced vulnerability in Parkinson’s disease-related nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuron subtype”

• Ana Patricia Amorim Gomes, M.D., Ph.D., Postdoctoral Fellow IRTA, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (LCI)

  “Design and validation of a new vector for CNS delivery of therapeutic peptides”

Scientific Director’s

• Martin Salamini Montemurri, Visiting Fellow, Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics (LGG)

  “Deciphering the role of human LINC02154, a pan-senescence lncRNA with immunomodulatory potential”

• Mohd Aqdas, Ph.D. Visiting Fellow, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology (LMBI)

  “Virtual Memory T Cells at the Crossroads of Aging and Bystander Inflammation”

• Ria Warrier, MPH, Postbaccalaureate IRTA, Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience (LBN)

  “Defining the Molecular Link between Cardiometabolic Conditions and Respective Brain Atrophy Patterns”

• David Colon, Ph.D., Visiting Fellow, TGB

  “Reviving Intestinal Regeneration: How Diet, Metabolism, and Aging Shape Stem Cell Potential”

• Anusha Chegu, Postbaccalaureate IRTA, LCI

  “Ridge trace regression for stable parameter recovery in ill-posed inverse problems, with applications to brain myelination models”

• Nicole Carmiol, B.S., Postbaccalaureate IRTA, Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD)

  “Proteomics Analysis unveils Converging Pathways Associated with AD/ADRD”

Best Poster

• Diane Gengler, B.S., Postbaccalaureate IRTA, LBN

  “High-field MRS assessment of mitochondrial function in viable midbrain organoids”

Past Meetings

NIH Geroscience Interest Group (GSIG) Webinar Series: Advances in Geroscience – January 15, February 19, March 19, 2026 – Virtual

The NIH Geroscience Interest Group (GSIG) brings together NIH program staff and researchers working at the intersection of aging biology and chronic diseases. In 2025 and 2026, the GSIG is hosting a virtual webinar series focused on recent advances in the field. Many of these events will be open to the scientific community, and each event features expert speakers working in different areas of aging biology, geroscience, and chronic diseases. On January 15, 2026, GSIG hosted Dr. George Hajishengallis (University of Pennsylvania) and Dr. Sarah Knox (UCSF), who discussed research related to dental health and geroscience. On February 19, 2026, the GSIG hosted Dr. Rebekah Feng, NIA, who discussed the inverse correlation between cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. On March 19, 2026, the GSIG hosted Dr. John Beard (Columbia University), who explored the concept of intrinsic capacity as a measure of healthspan. Future webinars will be listed on the GSIG website . For more information, contact Siobhan Addie ( siobhan.addie@nih.gov ; 202-253-6015).

RNA Regulation in Aging Biology - January 28, 2026 – Virtual

The objective of this workshop was to discuss post-transcriptional processes driving gene expression programs in aging biology, with a focus on RNA-centered mechanisms. The discussion aimed to address a range of processes, including splicing, mRNA turnover, translation, microRNAs/lncRNAs, RNA-binding proteins, and RNA modifications. For more information, please contact Angela Jackson at ( angela.jackson3@nih.gov ).

8th Annual NIA/NIDA Special Lecture Series – March 16, 2026 – Baltimore, MD

Featured a keynote address from Dr. Christopher Ramsden, Tenure Track Investigator (Clinical) in the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation (LCI), NIA. For more information, please contact Sarah Lewis at ( sarah.lewis@nih.gov ).

2026 Dementia Care and Caregiving Research Summit – March 17-19, 2026 – Virtual

The fourth triennial Dementia Care and Caregiving Research Summit reviewed research progress, highlighted innovative and promising research, and identified remaining unmet research needs with input from investigators, people living with dementia, care partners, and other interest holders. The Care Summit focused on the economic impacts of dementia, the role of community in dementia care, dementia care and caregiving interventions, dementia care models and care coordination strategies, and advances in AD/ADRD data infrastructure. The Care Summit also included an early career investigator event led by the NIA Training Office and a Post-Summit Listening Session for members of the audience to provide additional input. The video recordings and meeting report are forthcoming and will be added to the Care Summit website. For more information, contact Elena Fazio ( elena.fazio@nih.gov ), Jessica Boten ( jessica.boten@nih.gov ), and Cathony Reid ( cathony.reid@nih.gov ).

NIA Division of Aging Biology Current Advances and Innovative Approaches for Translational Aging Research Workshop – March 23, 2026 – Virtual

The Division of Aging Biology (DAB) at NIA supports the pre-clinical development of tools and resources for translational aging biology research, such as through the Interventions Testing Program (ITP), the Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP), and the Nathan Shock Centers (NSC). This workshop aims to foster discussion on the current state of the aging interventions testing field; existing in silico, in chemico, in vitro, and in vivo models; endpoints beyond lifespan and healthspan; and complementary new technologies for intervention testing and validation. This workshop will lay the foundation for future initiatives that capitalize on emerging opportunities to strengthen the NIA interventions programs. For more information, contact Stacy Carrington-Lawrence ( stacy.carrington-lawrence@nih.gov ; 301-496-6402).

Immune Aging and Cancer Therapy (NIA/NCI Joint Workshop) – March 24 and 26, 2026 – Virtual

This workshop convened experts in immune aging and cancer therapy to examine how age-related changes in the immune system influence the effectiveness of cancer treatments, as well as how cancer therapies affect immune aging. Immune aging, characterized by chronic inflammation and immunosenescence, affects both innate and adaptive immunity, contributing to increased infectious disease risk, reduced vaccine efficacy, and functional decline in older adults. These changes may also underlie resistance to cancer therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies, and influence treatment tolerability. Variability in immune aging among adults aged 65 and older provides opportunities to identify biomarkers of immune function, and strategies to improve therapeutic responses. The workshop also addressed how cancer treatments may affect immune aging. Overall, the meeting highlighted key challenges and opportunities at the intersection of aging biology and cancer therapy. For more information, contact Mulualem Tilahun ( mulualem.tilahun@nih.gov ; 202-365-5886) and Max Guo ( qmguo@mail.nih.gov ; 240-507-6286).

30th Annual NIA IRP Scientific Retreat – March 24 – 25, 2026 – Baltimore, MD

The NIA hosted the 30TH Annual NIA IRP Scientific Retreat on March 24-25, 2026, featuring posters and short presentations from trainees and researchers on their ongoing projects. This year’s Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Loscalzo, M.D., Ph.D., Physician-in-Chief Emeritus, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, along with additional talks from IRP trainees and researchers. For more information, please contact Angela Jackson at ( angela.jackson3@nih.gov ).

Cancer-Alzheimer’s Disease Inverse Correlation (CADIC): From Biological Mechanisms to Therapeutic Potential – March 25 – 26, 2026 – Virtual

Epidemiological studies consistently report an inverse correlation between cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Individuals with a history of cancer have a 25–35% lower risk of developing AD, while patients with AD have approximately half the risk of developing cancer. A history of cancer is also associated with delayed AD onset in a dose-dependent manner. Neuropathological findings support this association: prior cancer diagnosis was associated with reduced AD pathology, and studies of postmortem glioblastoma showed minimal tumor cell infiltration in brain regions with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau deposits. Despite these consistent observations, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this gap, this virtual NIA/NCI workshop convened experts in AD, cancer biology, statistics, epidemiology, and translational/clinical research. Sessions reviewed current epidemiological and neuropathological findings, highlighted potential mechanisms driving the inverse correlation between cancer and AD. The workshop also examined clinical implications, including opportunities for drug repurposing and innovative clinical trial designs. By integrating insights across disciplines, the meeting aimed to advance mechanistic understanding of the inverse correlation and uncover insights into novel therapeutic interventions for these devastating diseases. For more information, contact Rebekah Feng ( rebekah.feng@nih.gov ).

NIA Symposium on Autoimmunity, Neurodegeneration and Aging at the American Association of Immunologists Annual Meeting – Immunology2026 – April 15 – 19, 2026 – Boston, MA

The NIA symposium at the Immunology2026 on “Autoimmunity, Neurodegeneration and Aging” highlighted recent advances in immunity research as it relates to aging. As people age, the immune system becomes dysregulated or immunosenescence which leads to declining immune function, increased susceptibility to infection, reduced vaccine effectiveness, and higher risk of age-associated illnesses such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. The symposium featured presentations from both established and early-stage investigators focused on autoimmunity and neurodegeneration, aiming to decipher mechanisms of immune dysregulation and discover potential intervention strategies. By showcasing emerging research, the event aimed to encourage broader engagement in aging field. The symposium also served as a critical networking opportunity for immunologists and neuroscientists to build future collaborations. For more information, contact Lisa Opanashuk ( lisa.opanashuk@nih.gov ), Maja Maric ( maja.maric@nih.gov ), and Mulualem Tilahun ( mulualem.tilahun@nih.gov ).

Synaptic and Axonal Degeneration in Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Dementias (ADRD) – April 22 – 23, 2026 – Virtual

The NIA-sponsored workshop, “Synaptic and Axonal Degeneration in Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and Alzheimer’s Disease–Related Dementias (ADRD),” was to examine synaptic and axonal degeneration as central mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in aging, AD, and ADRD. The meeting convened leading investigators across molecular, cellular, systems, and computational neuroscience to define how disruptions in neural connectivity emerge, how they intersect with AD-related pathology, and how these processes can be studied across multiple scales. The workshop emphasized mechanistic understanding of synaptic and axonal vulnerability, integration of advanced imaging, multi-omics, AI/ML approaches, and the role of cellular and environmental modulators of dysfunction. It also highlighted human iPSC and organoid model systems as platforms to investigate connectivity loss in human-relevant contexts. The workshop identified key knowledge gaps and informed future research directions aligned with NIA priorities. For more information, contact Tong Li ( tong.li3@nih.gov ) and Erin Gray ( erin.gray@nih.gov ).

Privacy, Trust, and Consent in Aging Research and Recruitment – April 27 – 28, 2026 – Virtual

This workshop will examine key issues related to privacy, trust, consent, and recruitment in aging and AD/ADRD research, with emphasis on ethical data use, informed consent for individuals with varied cognitive abilities, community-based and decentralized recruitment, partnerships, and technology-enabled recruitment strategies. Discussions will focus on practical and policy questions involving data protection, community engagement, sustainability, infrastructure, and the responsible use of AI and digital tools in research participation. The meeting is expected to inform a future white paper as well informing guidance and funding opportunities on issues of research recruitment and participation. This workshop is sponsored by the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at NIA. For more information, contact Erin Harrell ( erin.harrell@nih.gov ), Bradley White ( brad.white@nih.gov ), and Joe Chiarenzelli ( joe.chiarenzelli@nih.gov ).

PI Meeting Under the Noncoding RNA in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias RFA-AG-23-010 and RFA-AG-23-011 – May 7, 2026 – Virtual

An NIA-sponsored, principal investigators’ meeting for projects funded through the RFA-AG-23-010 and the RFA-AG-23-011 on Noncoding RNA in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) will be held on May 7, 2026. The goals of this meeting are for principal investigators to share scientific progress across the projects, highlight advances in understanding how noncoding RNAs contribute to AD and ADRD, and identify challenges and opportunities that can shape future development of the field. For more information, contact Alison Yao ( alison.yao@nih.gov ).

Future Meetings

2026 ADSP Annual Program Meeting – May 28 – 29, 2026 – Rockville, MD/Hybrid

The Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) Annual Program Meeting will be held at NIH/NIA in Rockville, Maryland, on May 28-29, 2026. The meeting will offer an opportunity for the ADSP External Program Consultants, NIA leadership, and NIA Program staff to review progress and plans and advise on future directions of the consortium. The meeting will include 10 sessions: 1. ADSP Background; 2. ADSP Population Representation; 3. AD/ADRD Genetics; 4. Supporting the Next Generation of AD Genomics Researchers; 5. Endophenotypes; 6. Omics, Biomarkers, and Translation; 7. ADSP AI/ML and ADSP FunGen-AD Consortia; 8. External Utilization of the ADSP Data; 9. What's Next for the ADSP? Part 1: Intersection of Genetics and Environment and Mixed Pathologies; Session 10: What's Next for the ADSP? Part 2: Innovative Technologies. In addition, the meeting will showcase the work of ADSP trainees with blitz oral presentations and an in-person poster session. The meeting will conclude with two closed sessions: a session for External Program Consultants, and a feedback session bringing together the External Program Consultants, NIA Program, and the ADSP PIs. For more information, contact Michael Bennani ( michael.bennani@nih.gov ).

Special Session on Modeling Aging at the MPS World Summit – May 29, 2026 – Washington, DC

The Microphysiological Systems (MPS) World Summit is an international scientific meeting focused on advances in the development and application of microphysiological systems. The summit will gather participants from the private and public sectors, including representatives from U.S. government agencies. MPS are human-relevant in vitro models developed to more accurately model human biology and thus more readily advance research on human health. Dr. Cogliati will represent NIA as the co-chair of the Session on “Modeling Aging”. The session is part of Track 2 “Modeling Human Biology with MPS” and will showcase MPS and approaches developed to recapitulate aspects of human aging in vitro. The session will include an invited presentation on epigenetic aging in vitro, along with three abstract-selected talks showcasing a joint-on chip platform, a microfluidic uterus-on-a-chip, and a multi-organ MPS for studying age-related comorbidities. The session is part of DAB’s commitment to attract multidiscipline talent to research on healthy longevity. For more information, contact Tiziana Cogliati ( tiziana.cogliati@nih.gov ; 240-397-4596).

The 35th Annual Nathan W. Shock Award Lecture – May 29, 2026 – Baltimore, MD

The 35th Nathan W. Shock Award Lecture will include keynote lectures from Dr. Donald Ingram (Adjunct Professor, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University), Dr. Marissa Schafer (Associate Professor, Mayo Clinic), and Dr. Sebastien Thuault (Ph.D., Chief Editor, Nature Aging). The Shock Award Lecture aims to honor the legacy of Dr. Shock and invites leaders in the aging community to share their work with the NIA researchers in an effort to increase collaborations within the field of aging research. For more information, please contact Angela Jackson ( angela.jackson3@nih.gov ).

In Vitro Systems As Precision Medicine Tools To Investigate Ad/Adrd Risk, Resilience, and Exceptional Longevity – June 10, 2026 – Virtual

This investigator meeting brings together NIA-funded researchers to promote collaboration and coordination across emerging in vitro platforms, including microphysiological systems, organoids, and iPSC-based models, as precision medicine tools for studying AD/ADRD risk, resilience, and exceptional longevity. The meeting opens with informational talks from NIH program staff representing NIA, NCATS, and related infrastructure to orient participants to shared resources, standardization efforts, and open-science initiatives. Investigators then present and exchange findings across three focus areas: translational therapeutic discovery, modeling genetic and environmental contributors to AD/ADRD risk, and identifying protective biological mechanisms from resilient populations. For more information, contact Zane Martin ( zane.martin@nih.gov ), Alison Yao ( alison.yao@nih.gov ), Nalini Raghavachari ( nalini.raghavachari@nih.gov ).

Division of Aging Biology K-Award New Investigators Forum – June 23, 2026- Virtual

The purpose of the forum is to bring together new Division of Aging Biology (DAB) career development (K) awardees (in the spring/summer of the year following their award) to meet and interact with NIA program staff as well as to allow participants to network with each other. In addition to a keynote speaker, sessions will include short “elevator speech” presentations by new awardees, as well as presentations by DAB staff and NIA leadership, on issues such as scope of the science supported by DAB, funding mechanisms, grant review issues, and other related topics. The format will also provide a significantly expanded opportunity for networking among the investigators and plenty of opportunities for interactions with NIA staff. The overriding goal of the meeting is to encourage continued success for the new PIs as well as encourage interactions and collaborations. For more information, contact Christy Carter ( christy.carter@nih.gov ; 202-641-5667).

NIA New Investigators Forum (NIA-NIF) – July 20 – 21, 2026 – Bethesda, MD

NIA is holding the first New Investigators Forum (NIA-NIF) on July 20-21, 2026, to convene researchers supported by all extramural divisions with new R01 (or equivalent) research funding in FY2025 to learn about the institute, meet staff members, and explore priority research areas for NIA. The planning group for this event involves staff from across the Institute. NIA-NIF participants will be able to connect through short talks, a poster session, and other dedicated networking opportunities with the goal of building a strong community of aging researchers and forming new collaborations. The agenda will include presentations from NIA/NIH staff covering important policies and procedures and highlighting research resources that can support new scientific advances. This event will take place in person at 5601 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD, 20852. For more information, contact Siobhan Addie ( siobhan.addie@nih.gov ; 202-253-6015).

Food Insecurity and Cognitive Health: State of the Science and Research Gaps – August 3, 2026 – Virtual

Sponsored by the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at NIA, this half-day virtual workshop will convene experts to assess the current state of the science on food insecurity and cognitive health, including AD/ADRD. Discussions will synthesize the evidence linking food insecurity to poor future cognitive health, challenges related to measurement, data sources, and remaining research gaps, including opportunities for intervention-relevant research. The workshop is intended to identify barriers to progress and inform future learning and research infrastructure design. Depending on the outcomes of this workshop, it may result in calls for applications or publications aimed at translating the research into public health interventions that improve cognitive health for Americans. For more information, contact Kriti M. Jain ( kriti.jain@nih.gov ) , Amelia Karraker ( amelia.karraker@nih.gov ), or Kait Lee ( kaitlyn.lee@nih.gov ).

Spatial Cognition and Navigation in Aging and AD/ADRD Workshop – September 1 – 2, 2026 – Virtual

Spatial cognition and navigational abilities diminish with age, potentially affecting wayfinding, safe driving skills, cognitive performance, and even personal safety. Spatial navigation is one of the earliest cognitive abilities to decline in Alzheimer’s disease, making it a possible predictor of risk and marker of disease progression. This workshop will bring together experts from multiple disciplines to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue and catalyze innovative collaborations. The goal is to advance our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying age-related change in spatial cognition and navigation, and to accelerate progress in early detection, neuroprotection, and behavioral interventions for Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD. For more information, contact Cibu Thomas ( cibu.thomas@nih.gov ; 240-961-2231).

Novel Alternative Methods (NAMs) in Basic Mechanisms of Brain Aging and AD/ADRD – September 10 – 11, 2026 – Virtual

Traditional animal models have provided valuable insights into brain aging and AD/ADRD; however, they are limited in fully recapitulating key features of human neurobiology such as cell type complexity and composition, neuronal connectivity, and genetic heterogeneity. Novel alternative methods (NAMs) including iPSC-derived cultures, brain organoids, microphysiological systems, directly reprogrammed cells, and computational approaches enable the study of human-relevant mechanisms in vitro and in silico, serving as complementary platforms for mechanistic discovery and accelerating translation for age-related neurodegenerative diseases. This NIA workshop will feature presentations on the current state of NAMs and facilitate in-depth discussions to address key challenges and identify new opportunities for leveraging these approaches to advance understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying brain aging and AD/ADRD. For more information, contact Megan Duffy ( megan.duffy@nih.gov ).

Behavioral and Social Research Institutional Training Programs (T32) Workshop – November 3, 2026 – Washington, DC

The First NIA-sponsored Behavioral and Social Research Institutional Training Programs (T32) Workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center as a satellite of the Gerontological Society of America Annual Meeting. The workshop aims to gather all Principal Investigators/Program Directors, as well as a number of trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows), from all the T32s supported by the NIA Division of BSR. The workshop’s main goals are to provide networking opportunities for all our trainees, to allow them to share their research with their peers, and to provide a space for all our T32 Program Directors to learn from each other with the objective of improving programmatic activities and training/mentoring approaches, and consequently advancing the overall quality of all our Training Programs. For more information, contact Delany Torres ( delany.torressalazar@nih.gov ) and Dory Sullivan ( dory.sullivan@nih.gov ).

The 2026 Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women – October 14 – 16, 2026 – Bethesda, MD/Hybrid

NIA is collaborating with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to support an upcoming public conference entitled "The 2026 Research Conference on Sleep and the Health of Women". This conference will showcase groups of stakeholders focused on the health of women to highlight the state of the science regarding health risks, societal burden, and treatment options associated with the identification and management of sleep deficiency and sleep disorders in women. This two-day conference is designed to highlight the past decade of NIH-supported research demonstrating the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on the health of women across the lifespan. NIA will support a session specifically related to how sleep disruption can lead to cognitive decline and neuropathological changes during aging in women. For more information, contact Rachel Sare ( rachel.sare@nih.gov ; 301-569-0273).

Fifth Geroscience Summit: Revisiting the Geroscience Hypothesis: Focus on Health – December 2 – 3, 2026 – Bethesda, MD/Hybrid

Geroscience is a rapidly evolving field of research that aims to improve healthy lifespan by examining and targeting fundamental aging pathways to prevent, delay, or treat common age-associated conditions and diseases. Since 2012, the trans-NIH Geroscience Interest Group (GSIG) has played an important role in advancing geroscience research, in part by hosting summits that explore the state-of-the-science. The fifth Geroscience Summit will be an opportunity to assess progress toward addressing the development and execution of geroscience-based clinical trials, treating multimorbidity with geroscience-based interventions, validating and utilizing biomarkers of aging in geroscience research, and facilitating more effective communication around geroscience across stakeholder groups. For more information, contact Siobhan Addie ( siobhan.addie@nih.gov ; 202-253-6015).