Thank you to all who joined last month's workshop, both in-person and online! Many slides and recordings from the workshop are available on the RCCN website here. More materials from the meeting are forthcoming.

Introducing Highlighted Topics: A Centralized and Simple Resource to Learn About Research Areas of Interest to NIH

NIH announces a new centralized and simplified resource, called NIH Highlighted Topics, that informs the research community about particular areas of science of interest to NIH. Visiting this resource early and often when conceptualizing your research ideas will help ensure you are aware of some of NIH’s latest scientific interests. It also aims to help facilitate innovation and discovery through a strong focus on more investigator initiated driven research. 

Subscribe to Highlighted Topics to receive updates on these topics here.

Extramural Loan Repayment Program

The Extramural LRP is for researchers who are not employed by NIH. Research funding from NIH is not required to participate, and awardees may apply for competitive renewal awards if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. The deadline to apply has been extended to December 4, 2025.

This workshop includes an open call for posters and technology demonstrations. Please see the workshop website for details. Register here.

Sex Differences Impacting Human Health Across the Lifespan

December 4, 2025 | Bethesda, MD & Virtual

This workshop will include experts from academic institutions, NIH, other federal agencies, and the private sector, to examine sex differences in cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive functional declines during female aging and influence on overall women’s health.

Advances in Geroscience Webinar Series: Testing the Geroscience Hypothesis

December 18, 2025 | Virtual

The NIH Geroscience Interest Group (GSIG) fosters crucial scientific connections between NIH program staff and researchers studying the biology of aging and diseases where aging is a major risk factor. In 2025-2026, the GSIG will host a series of webinars to explore emerging and cross-cutting areas of geroscience research that are moving the field forward. This webinar will feature Dr. Stephen Kritchevsky, Wake Forest University.

2026 a2 National Symposium

March 19-20, 2026 | Washington, DC

Please save the date for the fourth annual a2 National Symposium, to be held March 19–20, 2026, at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C.—just steps from the White House and U.S. Capitol. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP on LinkedIn now to receive real-time updates. Additional details about symposium registration, agenda, and travel award opportunities will be posted when available.

American Aging Association (AGE) Early Career Scholar’s Program

Deadline: December 10, 2025

Ten Scholars will be selected, and will receive a 2-year AGE membership, travel award for the 2026 AGE meeting worth $1300, the opportunity to present your research at the AGE 2026 annual meeting, and will be paired with a senior AGE trainee chapter member for ongoing mentorship.

Real World Data Scholars Program

Deadline: January 15, 2026

The Real World Data Scholars Program is a 1-year mentored training experience designed to build practical skills and professional networks for early-career investigators, postdoctoral fellows and graduate students interested in using real-world data to improve care of people living with dementia and care partners.

IMPACT Collaboratory 2025 Career Development Award Program

Deadline: January 15, 2026

This mechanism will fund research projects that are preparatory to conducting a future ePCT such as secondary data analysis, intervention development or the development of outcomes to be used in ePCTs.

USC ADRD RCMAR’s Junior Pilot Awards

Deadline: February 27, 2026

This funding cycle prioritizes pilot studies examining how social, behavioral, economic, policies, and health systems explain differences in risk of AD/ADRD and/or health, healthcare, and economic outcomes of persons living with dementia. All junior scientists investigating minority elder populations in these fields are encouraged to apply.

AFAR Funding Opportunities

The American Federation for Aging Research has recently released multiple calls for applications for several of their funding opportunities, with upcoming deadlines in the winter.

Clin-STAR Visiting Professor Travel Fund

Rolling Deadline

Designed to expose clinician-scientists and other faculty and trainees, especially those at institutions lacking robust aging/geriatrics research programs, to leaders in aging research.