January 2024 Director’s Status Report

Legislation of Interest

• On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) and Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) introduced H.R. 6749 , the Menopause Research Equity Act. If enacted, the bill would require the NIH director to determine the amount of funding allocated for menopause research over the past five fiscal years and to submit a report outlining findings and a strategic plan to address identified gaps in menopause knowledge and research.
• On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, Reps. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) introduced H.R. 6743 , the Menopause Awareness Act. If enacted, the bill would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to carry out a public health awareness campaign about menopause. It would also provide for menopause education and training grants to grow the workforce in this area. NIA would have a consultative role in these grants.
• On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023, the House passed H.R. 2365 , the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act. The bill must still be considered by the Senate. If enacted, the bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to implement a national plan to address Parkinson’s disease as well as improve diagnosis, treatment, and care of those with the disease.
• On Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023, Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE) and David Trone (D-MD) introduced H.R. 6284 , the Improving Measurements for Loneliness and Isolation Act. If enacted, the bill would direct the HHS secretary to establish a working group to formulate recommendations for standardizing the measurements of loneliness and isolation. A Senate companion, S. 3260 , was introduced on the same day by Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE). Both bills have been referred to the relevant committees of jurisdiction.

Hearings, Visits, and Other Topics of Interest

On Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, NIA Associate Director for Scientific Strategy, Innovation, and Management Dr. Melinda Kelley briefed the staff of Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) on Alzheimer’s disease research and dissemination activities.

On Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, NIA Director Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Deputy Director Dr. Amy Kelley, and several NIA program staff met with the majority and minority health staff of the House and Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittees to discuss recent advancements in Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) research.

On Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, Dr. Chhanda Dutta, chief of the Clinical Gerontology Branch in the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Gerontology (GCG), briefed the staff of Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee) regarding proposed legislation on menopause research. She was joined by experts from CDC and the Health Resources and Services Administration.

On Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, Biden launched the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research , a new cross-agency initiative to increase support for research on women’s health. The initiative is being housed in the Office of the First Lady, Jill Biden, and is meant to address “pervasive gaps in our knowledge of women’s health, [which are] especially acute for diseases and conditions that are more prevalent among women and for health conditions associated with women’s midlife and later years, including perimenopause and menopause.”

On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, Dr. Partha Bhattacharyya, chief data officer, Office of Data Resources and Analytics in the Division of Behavioral and Social Research (BSR), and several other experts from across NIH briefed the staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) at NIH.

On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, Dr. Jon King, senior scientific advisor to the division director, BSR, and Dr. Richard Kwok, program director, Population Studies and Genetics Branch in the Division of Neuroscience (DN), participated in a briefing with the staff of Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) regarding proposed legislation on environmental health and neurodegenerative disorders. Experts from several other institutes and centers across NIH also participated.

On Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, Dutta briefed Murray’s staff on menopause research. Dutta was joined by experts from the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health.

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, Dr. Todd Haim, director of NIA’s Office of Strategic Extramural Programs; Dr. Lyndon Joseph, program officer in GCG, and Dr. Coryse St. Hillaire-Clarke, program director in DN, briefed the staff of Sen. Angus King (I-ME) on falls prevention research.

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Staff Changes

Angie Carpenter joined the Intramural Research Program (IRP) as an administrative officer in the Administrative Office (AO).

Shani Carter-Hudson joined the IRP as an IT specialist in the Networks, Computing, and Telephony Section (NCTS).

Sarah Craig, Ph.D., joined GCG as a health scientist administrator in the Clinical Gerontology Branch. Prior to joining NIA in December 2023, Craig was an assistant research professor in the Department of Biology at Penn State University. Her research interests and experiences span evolutionary genetic studies in nonhuman primates and multiomic studies of childhood obesity. Her responsibilities at NIA include further development of a clinical research program on aging across the lifespan and its relationships to health outcomes. She is also involved in the current trans-NIA initiative on comparative nonhuman primate studies of longevity.

Ieshia Hobbs joined the IRP as a program specialist in the Office of the Scientific Director (OSD).

Mary Kaila, Ph.D., joined the IRP as a biologist in the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology.

Katherine Kim, M.A., joined the Division of Aging Biology (DAB) in 2022 as a scientific program analyst in the Office of the Division Director. Before joining NIA, she received her master of arts in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise physiology, assessing the effects of female sex hormones on the function of endothelial cells for her thesis. As a research assistant, she was also involved in research on sarcopenia and the effects of exercise on the immune cell profile. Her primary aging-related interests lie in the effects of changing hormonal profile during and after menopause and how aging mediates the physiological effects of exercise.

Ronald Kohanski, Ph.D., director of DAB, retired in December 2023 after 18 years of service at the institute. Kohanski joined NIA as a DAB program officer in 2005. He became the DAB deputy director in 2007 and served as acting director before moving into his current role in March 2021. Throughout his career, Kohanski gained recognition for his ability to connect scientists from around the world from multiple disciplines via NIA’s diverse scientific portfolios.

Rebecca Krupenevich, Ph.D., joined BSR as a program official in the Office of Data Resources and Analytics (ODRA). Krupenevich transitioned to a full-time employee with BSR in 2023 after working as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Science & Technology Policy fellow. Prior to working with NIA, Krupenevich completed postdoctoral training in biomedical engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her Ph.D. in kinesiology at the University of Maryland. With BSR and ODRA, Krupenevich will work on initiatives related to AI infrastructure, data sharing, and public-private partnerships.

Laksh Malik, Ph.D., joined the IRP as a biologist in the Center for Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias (CARD).

Anne Elise Marsan, Ph.D., joined the IRP as a tenure-track investigator in CARD. Marsan will work under the direction of Dr. Andrew Singleton, director of CARD, and will oversee the Molecular Pathology Unit (MPU). The research of the MPU will focus on unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal and nonneuronal pathology in Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia, two devastating neurodegenerative diseases. Marsan received her doctoral degree in 2017 in neuroscience from the Paris Brain Institute and Sorbonne University in France. She then began her postdoctoral fellowship in July 2018 at University of California, San Franscico, where she remained until joining CARD.

Aisha McCoy joined the IRP as a program specialist in the OSD.

Jennifer Merickel, Ph.D., joined BSR as a clinical trials coordinator and health science administrator in the Clinical Trials Office. Prior to joining NIA, Merickel was an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She co-led a strongly collaborative research program aimed at developing data-driven, precision health models and digital biomarkers. Her research used real-world behavioral data to predict clinical, safety, and quality of life risk in patient, Alzheimer’s and related dementias, and aging populations. At NIA, Merickel provides oversight, management, and advice on clinical trial ethical research conduct, risk assessment, NIH/NIA policy compliance, methodology, progress, and data and safety monitoring. Merickel has training and expertise in clinical research from diverse approaches, including clinical trials, cognitive neuroscience, and data analytics. She received her Ph.D. in brain and cognitive sciences from the University of Rochester.

Melissa Riddle, Ph.D., joined BSR as a program official in the Individual Processes Branch. Riddle completed her undergraduate studies at UCLA, earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona, and received postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining NIA, Riddle was a program official at the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and then a branch chief at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Riddle’s career has focused on intervention research, with a particular emphasis on couples and family interventions. At NIA, Riddle will direct an intervention research program on behavioral and social interventions relevant to caregiving.

Jonathan Skinner, Ph.D., joined BSR as a senior advisor in ODRA. Skinner joined via the Intergovernmental Personnel Act program to serve as a senior advisor on real-world data (RWD) in ODRA. Skinner is a professor at Dartmouth College as well as the director of the Economics of Aging Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research. His research included measuring productivity and efficiency in health care, and the savings behavior of retirees. Skinner has expertise in economics of health care, Medicare, personal savings for retirement, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) claims data. Skinner will lead and advise on RWD-related activities as well as on the development of the CMS longitudinal data files.

Michelle Snyder, M.S., CGC, joined the Office of Clinical Research as a regulatory policy specialist in the Regulatory, Safety, and Policy Branch. She evaluates clinical research policy needs for the Institute and collaborates in the development of policies, guidelines, and strategies to enhance NIA-funded clinical research. She previously served as a contractor for the Division of Extramural Activities (DEA) Office of the Director, working as a scientific communications editor to develop policies and procedures published in the DEA Extramural Handbook and NIA public website. Prior to joining NIA, she worked as a senior project manager on a contract for the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. Snyder is a certified genetic counselor with expertise in rare disease clinical research, epidemiology, and nomenclature.

Ufundi Thomas joined the IRP as a property management specialist in the AO.

Gordon Thompson joined the IRP as a program support assistant in the Laboratory of Clinical Investigation.

Ricky Woods joined the IRP as an IT specialist in the NCTS.

Staff Honors

Dr. Andrew Singleton, director of CARD and NIH distinguished investigator, received the 2024 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for identifying GBA1 and LRRK2 as risk genes for Parkinson’s disease, implicating autophagy and lysosomal biology as critical contributors to the pathogenesis of the disease. Additional information can be found at https://breakthroughprize.org/News/83 .

Dr. Rafael de Cabo, chief of the Translational Gerontology Branch, received the American Federation for Aging Research 2023 Irving S. Wright Award for his exemplary contribution to the field of aging research. Additional information can be found at www.afar.org/imported/AFARPressRelease_2023WrightAward_RafaeldeCabo.pdf .

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Past Meetings

Minority Health and Health Disparities in Neuroscience Webinar Series — Sept. 12 and Nov. 28, 2023 — Virtual

DN hosted a webinar series on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research in Neuroscience to provide an opportunity for grantees to share research advances, lessons learned regarding challenges, and opportunities in the field. On Sept. 12, DN hosted a webinar by Dr. Li-San Wang from the University of Pennsylvania, who presented on the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease Study, which investigates the impact of lifestyle and genetic factors on Alzheimer’s risk in Asian Americans and Canadians. It is the first large Alzheimer’s genetics cohort for Asians in the United States and Canada that aims to recruit up to 5,000 participants in the next five years. Wang also presented an update on the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project Diversity Initiative. On Nov. 28, DN hosted a webinar which featured Dr. Yakeel Quiroz (Harvard University) and Dr. David Marquez (University of Illinois, Chicago). They moderated a group of six panelists to address the disparities in dementia risk, early detection, and care in U.S. Latino populations and provided insights from their work as members of the U.S. Consortium of Aging, Dementia & Latino Studies. DN is currently planning four more webinars for 2024. For more information, contact Dallas Anderson ( andersda@nia.nih.gov ), Damali Martin ( martinda@mail.nih.gov ), Maryam Ghaleh ( maryam.ghaleh@nih.gov ), Richard Kwok ( richard.kwok@nih.gov ), Camille Pottinger ( pottingerca@mail.nih.gov ), and Tayona Pearson( tayona.pearson@nih.gov ).

Mentor Round Table Series — Oct. 13, 2023 — Virtual

The Mentor Round Table Series discussed effective communication, providing constructive feedback, navigating difficulties, building a strong mentor-mentee relationship, and the importance of individual responsibilities within that relationship. Each session featured internal IRP colleagues who exemplify successful mentoring relationships. Our third session featured mentors and mentees from CARD: Director and Senior Investigator Andy Singleton, Ph.D.; Staff Scientist Sara Bandrés-Ciga, Pharm.D, M.S., Ph.D.; and Postdoctoral Research Fellow Kimberley Billingsley, Ph.D. This event was sponsored by NIA/IRP. For more information, contact Tana Dunn Johnson (667-205-2215 or dunnt@grc.nia.nih.gov ).

Cell-Specific Proteome Dynamics and Biomolecule Imaging in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease: Bridging the Gap From Basic to Clinical Proteomics — Oct. 17-18, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

DN organized a two-day workshop that brought together leading researchers in the field of proteomics to discuss and explore recent advances, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches in the application of proteomics to the study of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s. The meeting featured lectures and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics, such as the roles of astrocytes and microglia in modulating proteome dynamics in synaptic degeneration and accumulation of Alzheimer’s-related pathologies; the impact of microenvironment on the proteome dynamics in glia, microglia, and neuroinflammation; establishing a small-molecule 3D-brain atlas to understand the alteration, transportation, and distribution of small molecules; and many others. For more information, contact Austin Yang ( austin.yang@nih.gov ).

Investigators’ Meeting of the AMP® AD, TREAT-AD, MODEL-AD, MARMO-AD, and Alzheimer’s Drug Development Program — Oct. 17-18, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland

The NIA-sponsored Alzheimer’s Drug Development Programs, AMP® AD, MODEL-AD, MARMO-AD, and TREAT-AD Investigators’ meeting was held as a two-day event on the NIH main campus. The focus of this meeting was to discuss: 1) advances made toward the identification of potential targets, 2) lessons from animal model resources, and 3) the application of this information to the development of potential pharmacologic therapies (novel small molecule and biologic therapies) to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or treat cognitive and behavioral symptoms. In addition to discussing advances in research, investigators identified and discussed some of the gaps in research, as well as potential opportunities for collaboration to facilitate discovery collaboration. For more information about this meeting, the consortia, programs, or centers, please contact Lorenzo Refolo ( larry.refolo@nih.gov ) and Suzana Petanceska ( petanceskas@nia.nih.gov ).

NIA Workshop, Computational and Human In Vitro Approaches to Accelerate Translational Aging Research — Oct. 23-24, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

The goals of this workshop were to discuss the feasibility of applying human-based platforms (e.g., iPSCs, MPS) and in silico tools for overcoming some of the current challenges in translational aging research, as well as their caveats and pitfalls, and to identify specific opportunities where these approaches can be combined with conventional in vivo animal studies to accelerate the development of new therapies for age-related conditions. Participants included representation from industry, academia, and other relevant federal agencies. Publication of a meeting report is planned. The workshop was a collaboration between DAB, GCG, and DN and was convened by the NIA Translational Research Working Group. For more information, contact Chhanda Dutta ( duttac@mail.nih.gov or 301-496-4161) and Rebecca Fuldner ( rebecca.fuldner@nih.gov or 301-728-8041).

Opportunities and Challenges in the Use of Blood-Based Biomarkers in Clinical Research and Population Studies on Alzheimer’s Disease and AD-Related Dementias — Oct. 30-31, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland

This well-attended, NIA-sponsored, two-day workshop, held in virtual/in-person hybrid format, brought together the scientists who are developing blood-based Alzheimer’s and related dementias biomarkers and investigators interested in using such biomarkers in their studies, to promote education and identify available infrastructure and current needs for successful dissemination of resources and relevant information. Speakers included NIA-funded researchers and international leaders in Alzheimer’s and related dementias blood biomarkers, representatives of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and nonprofit/advocacy organizations. Themes addressed by speaker and panelists included: state-of-the-art, molecular underpinning, and analytical and clinical validation of blood-based Alzheimer’s and related dementias biomarkers; use of blood-based Alzheimer’s and related dementias biomarkers for diagnosis and disease stages in research; for enrollment, patient stratification and surrogate endpoints in clinical trials, in population and community-based studies, and in the context of translational studies aimed at personalized medicine approaches; and perspectives of stakeholders actively engaged in the establishment, maintenance, and dissemination of relevant resources and shared datasets conducive to the advancement of Alzheimer’s and related dementias research and development of diagnostic products and therapeutics. A workshop summary is being generated and will be posted to the NIA website. For more information, contact Alessandra Rovescalli ( alessandra.rovescalli@nih.gov ), Yuan Luo ( yuan.luo@nih.gov ), and Nadezda Radoja ( nadezda.radoja@nih.gov ).

Future of Population Studies in AD/ADRD Neuroscience Research Workshop — Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

DN sponsored a two-day hybrid workshop on the Future of Population-Based Studies in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2023. The objectives were to: 1) foster the development of research collaborations among investigators involved in research of population-based Alzheimer’s and related dementias studies, 2) identify and leverage resources available to enhance Alzheimer’s and related dementias population-based research, 3) identify avenues to enhance existing data and supplement the collection of new data for Alzheimer’s and related dementias population-based research, and 4) encourage ongoing discussions regarding the development of scientific priorities focused on informing future precision-based intervention and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s and related dementias among U.S. populations. The workshop consisted of 18 speakers, covering the themes of diversifying populations, infrastructure needs for current and future population studies, and life-course environmental influences on Alzheimer’s risk. Structured breakout discussions occurred after each session, and these discussions will be used to inform future initiatives in this area. In total, the workshop had over 325 participants. A workshop report is underway and the final report, along with the recorded workshop sessions, will be available on the workshop webpage. For more information, contact Richard Kwok ( richard.kwok@nih.gov ), Damali Martin ( martinda@mail.nih.gov ), and Tayona Pearson ( tayona.pearson@nih.gov ).

The Long-Term Effects of Pregnancy on Aging — Nov. 1, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

In this DAB-hosted workshop, participants examined the state of the science on established and possible relationships between pregnancy and aging by summarizing the current state of knowledge and highlighting the major issues and gaps in research on the enduring effects of pregnancy on the health of parous women. The information gained from this workshop will set a foundation for future relevant NIA initiatives. The workshop summary will be released in early 2024. For information, contact Fei Wang ( fei.wang@nih.gov or 301-443-8187).

Grants Writing Workshop — Nov. 8-9, 15, and 16 and Dec. 6-7, 2023 — Virtual

The NIA Training Office held a Grants Writing Workshop, led by Dr. Paula Gregory. The IRP-sponsored workshop provided participants with the concepts and structure to plan and prepare a successful grant proposal, emphasizing the Career Transition K99 grant series. The six-part workshop was held on Nov. 8, 9, 15, and 16 and Dec. 6 and 7. For more information, contact Tana Dunn Johnson (667-205-2215 or dunnt@grc.nia.nih.gov ).

NIA/NIEHS Collaborative Summit — Nov. 17, 2023 — Baltimore

The NIA IRP hosted a collaborative summit with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). This forum brought together NIA/NIEHS leadership and researchers to discuss areas of shared interests and opportunities for collaboration. For more information, contact Ieshia Hobbs (410-558-8110 or ieshia.hobbs@nih.gov ).

Unconventional/New Models of Alzheimer’s Disease — Nov. 30, 2023 — Virtual

This virtual workshop brought together DAB- and DN-funded investigators through RFA-AG-21-003 as well as selected MODEL-AD investigators. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss the current progress and challenges faced by the awardees as well as to facilitate networking among them. There were nine speakers participating in this NIA-sponsored event. For more information, contact Manuel Moro (lead, 301-496-6402 or morom@mail.nih.gov ) and Larry Refolo (301-594-7576 or refolol@mail.nih.gov ).

Precision Medicine Approaches for Developing Combination Therapies for the Treatment and Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-Related Dementias (ADRD) Workshop — Dec. 4-5, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

This one-and-a-half-day, NIA-sponsored workshop brought together experts from academia, biotech industry, nonprofit foundations, NIH, and the FDA. Presentations from speakers highlighted the current and emerging therapeutic landscape for Alzheimer’s and related dementias and the opportunities and challenges for the development of combination therapies for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, including the development of combinations of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, as precision medicine therapies. The session topics included: 1) modeling disease complexity and establishing proofs-of-concepts, 2) systems-based approaches to understand mechanisms of action and responder phenotypes for pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, 3) considerations for selecting combination interventions for testing in humans, and 4) designing clinical trials for testing combination therapies and/or interventions. A high-level summary will be developed and will be made available on the NIA DN website in January 2024. For more information, contact Benfeard Williams ( benfeard.williams@nih.gov ).

Olfactory Dysfunction in Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease — Dec. 6-7, 2023 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

While there is a lot of evidence to support the association between olfactory dysfunction and risk of cognitive decline and/or neurodegenerative disease, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. NIA, in collaboration with the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, hosted a one-and-a-half-day workshop that convened leaders in research on olfaction and brain aging to: 1) review the state of the science, 2) identify gaps in current knowledge, and 3) explore new opportunities and challenges for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the association between smell loss and risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease. For more information, contact Coryse St. Hillaire-Clarke ( coryse.sthillaire-clarke@nih.gov ).

Future Meetings

The Role of the Behavioral and Social Sciences in the Geroscience Agenda — Feb. 14 and 29, 2024 — Virtual/Hybrid

A geroscience research agenda informed by the behavioral and social sciences will address disparities in the aging process driven by behavioral patterns and social environmental exposures and aid in the identification of interventions with the potential to improve function, health span, and reduce morbidity among all population subgroups in our society. The forthcoming workshop will be the second meeting of the series; the first workshop occurred on Oct. 31, 2022, on the topic of Bridging Biological and Social Hallmarks of Aging; this focused on measurement and “functional motifs” of aging. The long-term goal of this workshop series is to identify research gaps and opportunities for an expanded geroscience agenda that incorporates a life-span developmental perspective, inclusion of behavioral and social drivers of aging processes that account for disparities in the aging process, and valid and reliable assessments of the fundamental processes of biological aging in humans. This meeting is being organized jointly by DAB and BSR. For more information, contact Lis Nielsen ( Lis.Nielsen@nih.gov ), Stacy Carrington-Lawrence ( carringtons@mail.nih.gov ), Emily Hooker ( emily.hooker@nih.gov ), and David Braudt ( david.braudt@nih.gov ).

Electronic Health Records (EHR) Interventions and Behavioral Economics Interventions Grantees Meeting — Feb. 21-23, 2024 — Hybrid/Virtual

This three-day EHR Interventions and Behavioral Economics Interventions Grantees Meeting will bring together grantees of NIA’s electronic health record (EHR)-based intervention RFAs (RFA-AG-20-045 and RFA-AG-17-013) and low-cost detection of cognitive decline RFAs (RFA-AG-20-050 and RFA-AG-20-051) to showcase grantee progress and discuss future directions using EHR as a platform for conducting clinical trials. This meeting will provide a forum for grantees to present annual updates, discuss barriers and potential solutions to EHR-based interventions, and identify additional opportunities for collaboration and scientific progress. The proposed meeting will advance the goals of the RFAs by providing a forum for grantees to discuss the progress and outcomes of their EHR-based interventions and chart future directions by discussing challenges and sharing potential solutions. This meeting is being sponsored by BSR. For more information, contact Partha Bhattacharyya ( partha.bhattacharyya@nih.gov ) and Rebecca Krupenevich ( rebecca.krupenevich@nih.gov ).

Biology of Aging in Reproductive Tissues Consortium — March 2024 — Hybrid

This will be a one-day meeting for the NIA-funded investigators under RFA-AG-20-036, Biology of Aging in Reproductive Tissues. They will highlight their research progress and achievements and discuss future directions to further the goals of the RFA: understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate aging of the reproductive tissues, including the niche, in gonads, reproductive accessory organs, and the reproductive neuroendocrine system. For more information, contact Fei Wang ( fei.wang@nih.gov or 301-443-8187) and John Williams (301-496-6403 or williamsj6@mail.nih.gov ).

NIA Session on the Disease Models and Aging at the Genetics Society of America Annual Meeting — March 8, 2024 — Washington, D.C.

The Allied Genetics Conference 2024 (TAGC24) is a Genetics Society of America Conference and will be held March 6-10, 2024, at the Gaylord Resort and Conference Center in metro Washington, D.C. TAGC24 will bring together ~4,000 scientists from multiple, international biological research communities to share cutting-edge science, foster new collaborations, and strengthen existing relationships. The conference will have focuses on Neurogenetics, Aging and Neurodegeneration, Genomes and Genomics, Ecological Genetics, and more. DAB is involved in organizing a conference session on the Disease Models and Aging. Over 300 abstracts are anticipated for this session. The selected talks will be of high relevance to aging biology and NIA’s mission. This session is sponsored by NIA. For more information, contact Max Guo (301-402-7747 or qmguo@mail.nih.gov ).

Clinically Meaningful Outcomes in AD/ADRD Trials — March 12-14, 2024 — Hybrid/Virtual

This three-day virtual workshop will define clinically meaningful change in the context of Alzheimer’s and related dementias trials and identify gaps and research opportunities related to patient-centered, equitable assessment of clinically meaningful change in biomarker status, cognition, and everyday function. The workshop will address the criteria used to assess whether an intervention has had a clinically meaningful impact, including consideration of both benefit and harm. The meeting will include researchers, clinicians, patients and care partners, health economists, regulators, and payers, including considerations around the development and use of digital health technologies. This workshop is being sponsored by BSR. For more information, contact Luke Stoeckel ( luke.stoeckel@nih.gov ) and Nicole Kidwiler ( nicole.kidwiler@nih.gov ).

Cognitive Aging Summit IV — March 20-21, 2024 — Bethesda, Maryland/Hybrid

The Fourth Cognitive Aging Summit will be held March 20-21, 2024, in Bethesda, Maryland. The Summit will feature presentations and discussions on promising areas of research into age-related brain and cognitive changes, with a special focus on precision aging and brain health; individual differences in cognitive performance, brain function, and adaptation and the factors that drive these differences; and the design of prevention and intervention trials in the context of precision health. The two-day meeting will build on priorities and research directions identified at previous Cognitive Aging Summits. The Summit is convened by NIA and made possible by the McKnight Brain Research Foundation through a generous grant to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. This NIA-sponsored workshop is a collaboration between DN and BSR. For more information, contact Molly V. Wagster ( wagsterm@nia.nih.gov ) and Jonathan W. King ( kingjo@nia.nih.gov ).

NIA IRP Scientific Retreat — April 15-16, 2024 — Baltimore

The NIA IRP Retreat will feature a keynote address from Sebastien Thuault, chief editor for Nature Aging, and Dr. Monica Bertagnolli, director, NIH, as well as other talks from IRP trainees and researchers. This event will be sponsored by NIA/IRP. For more information, contact Ieshia Hobbs (410-558-8110 or ieshia.hobbs@nih.gov ).

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Web Content

Media & Outreach

Meetings

Conferences, Exhibits, and Events

• Gerontological Society of America (11/8-12/2023)

Meetings With External Audiences

• NIH HIV and Aging Research Workshop: Current Landscape and Opportunities; Sept. 5, 2023 — Dr. Richard Hodes provided opening remarks, along with Dr. Bill Kapogiannis, acting director of the NIH Office of AIDS Research.
• The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Workshop: Developing an Agenda for Population Aging and Social Research in Low- and Middle-Income Countries; Sept. 7, 2023 — Dr. Amy Kelley delivered welcoming remarks to frame workshop discussions around priorities for aging research in low- and middle-income countries.
• NASEM Workshop: Aging in Place with Dementia; Sept. 13, 2023 — Amy Kelley provided opening remarks for this workshop on research approaches to aging in place with dementia.
• Global Coalition on Aging Alliance for Health Innovation and American Federation for Aging Research Roundtable on Healthy Aging, Innovation, and Oncology; Sept. 27, 2023 — Amy Kelley shared comments to open the roundtable, reflecting upon the state of aging and cancer research and highlighting the importance of advancing innovation and health equity.
• American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Early Investigators Forum; Sept. 28, 2023 — Amy Kelley shared funding opportunities, initiatives, and resources in palliative care research and participated in a follow-up panel discussion.
• NASEM Meeting of the Committee on Research Priorities for Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias; Oct. 2 — Hodes and other NIA and NIH staff participated in a public session of the NASEM ad hoc committee that will support a consensus study to recommend research priorities to advance the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. NIH leaders and staff provided perspectives on the statement of task and presented an overview of current strategic planning efforts for NIH-funded Alzheimer’s and related dementias research.
• NIH Advancing Digital Endpoints and Digital Health Technologies for Neurological and Neuromuscular Disorders Workshop; Oct. 10, 2023 — Hodes provided opening remarks addressing the need for validated digital endpoints and digital health technologies, including for monitoring progression of cognitive function in neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
• Cellular Senescence Network (SenNet) Annual Meeting; Oct. 23, 2023 — Hodes shared introductory comments on the importance of senescence research and the critical role that SenNet plays in advancing senescence biology.
• NIA Workshop, Blood-Based Biomarkers in AD/ADRD; Oct. 30, 2023 — Hodes delivered opening remarks, underscoring NIH and NIA support for a diverse and expanding portfolio of Alzheimer’s and related dementias biomarker research.
• Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board Roundtable; Nov. 2, 2023 — Dr. Melinda Kelley provided updates on Alzheimer’s and related dementias research at NIA, including budget, key programs and progress, and upcoming events.
• NASEM Workshop: Serious Illness Care Research: Exploring Current Knowledge, Emerging Evidence, and Future Directions; November 3, 2023 — Amy Kelley participated in a concluding panel discussion for the workshop, discussing key themes from prior sessions and opportunities to advance serious illness research.
• Milken Institute Federal Brain Boost: Advancements and Next Steps in Dementia Care; Nov. 7, 2023 — Amy Kelley took part in a panel discussion to examine progress in dementia care research and to identify next steps to sustain momentum.
• The Center to Accelerate Population Research in Alzheimer’s and the Gateway to Global Aging Data Long-Term Care Economics and Policies Conference; Nov. 7, 2023 — Amy Kelley delivered welcoming remarks on long-term care research, evaluation, and policy.
• Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting; Nov. 10, 2023 — Hodes and Amy Kelley, along with other NIA staff, were featured speakers in symposia offering opportunities to learn more about NIA, its research mission and priorities, funding mechanisms and training pathways, and new initiatives and upcoming events.
• NIA Meeting with the Cherokee Nation Leadership and the NIA Director’s Regional Meeting; Nov. 27-28, 2023 — Hodes and NIA leadership met on Cherokee sovereign land with the Cherokee Nation chief and tribal leaders. Leadership from both parties discussed areas of mutual interest and the Cherokee Nation tribal leadership shared scientific priorities. NIA also subsequently co-hosted the NIA Director’s Regional Meeting in partnership with the Cherokee Nation; the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa campus; and eight additional resource-limited institutions throughout the region. Hodes provided an overview of NIA’s scientific priorities and initiatives, including those relevant to resource-limited institutions and efforts to diversify the scientific workforce.
• Focused Ultrasound Foundation: Nov. 30, 2023 — Hodes, Amy Kelley, and NIA staff convened with the Focused Ultrasound Foundation to discuss mutual areas of interest related to focused ultrasound research.
• Sleep Research Society, Dec. 6, 2023 — Hodes, Amy Kelley, and NIA staff met with representatives of the Sleep Research Society, discussing NIA administrative updates and research advancements, as well as research priorities put forth by the Sleep Research Society.
• NIA Healthy Aging Startup Challenge Graduation Ceremony, Dec. 14, 2023 — Hodes provided congratulatory remarks to participants in the NIA Healthy Aging Start-Up Challenge.
• NIH Workshop, Music as Medicine: The Science and Clinical Practice; Dec. 15, 2023 — Hodes welcomed participants to the second day of the workshop, reflecting upon NIA support for research in the field, as well as growing scientific interest in music’s effects on the brain and body with aging.
• Population Association of America/Association of Population Centers (PAA/APC), Dec. 15, 2023 — Hodes, Amy Kelley, and NIA staff met with PAA/APC leadership to discuss population aging research activities, advances, and opportunities.

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