American Federation for Aging Research

Research recently published in Cell co-authored by AFAR grantee Nalini Rao, PhD, highlighted in recent Earth.com article.
Read here:

Scientists discover brain waste routes that may explain Alzheimer's Scientists mapped how waste leaves the brain, uncovering drainage pathways that could help explain Alzheimer's disease and other disorders.

Speaking on his 2025 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research, Nils Grotehans, PhD, of the UMass Chan Medical School, shares: "My research project centers around a newly discovered mammalian metabolite that is present in mitochondria and has the capability to shape mitochondrial metabolism. This molecule has never been studied in the context of aging (let alone many other areas of biology and disease!), and this research proposal will be the first to assess the potential to exploit this molecule and its activity to mitigate mitochondrial decline in aging.”
Learn more about his AFAR-supported research in our Grantee Spotlight Interview here: https://www.afar.org/grantee-spotlight-interviews/nils-grotehans-phd

Speaking on her 2025 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research, Paula Godoy, PhD, of UC San Diego, shares: “As cells age, some of these location-specific tasks start to break down, but we don't yet know which ones matter most for stem cell function. This research compares young and old stem cells to map out which “rooms” are malfunctioning and which specific tasks are affected. The goal is to develop targeted strategies to restore only the compromised functions as opposed to shutting down the whole system, leading to more precise and safer interventions for aging.”
Learn more about her AFAR-supported research in our Grantee Spotlight Interview here: https://www.afar.org/grantee-spotlight-interviews/paula-godoy-phd

Reflecting on his 2025 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Postdoctoral Fellowships in Aging Research, Richard Giadone, PhD, of Harvard University, shares: "As a senior postdoctoral fellow, I am at the point in my career where I am planning to transition to an independent faculty position. Resources afforded to me by my AFAR fellowship will allow me to dive headfirst into the field of aging biology, continue my research, generate preliminary data for my independent laboratory, and establish invaluable connections to others in the field.”
Learn more about his AFAR-supported research in our Grantee Spotlight Interview here: https://www.afar.org/grantee-spotlight-interviews/richard-giadone-phd

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.

On this Flashback Friday, we celebrate the late Paul F. Glenn, a founding member of AFAR’s Board of Directors who dedicated his philanthropy to advancing research on the biology of aging through the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research, which he founded in 1965.

In the early 80s, AFAR Founder Irving S. Wright, MD, and Mr. Glenn connected, forging an enduring partnership.
Since 1984, our organizations have worked together to build the research pipeline through a range of grant programs that support students and early-career investigators, as well as breakthrough discoveries.

The annual Paul F. Glenn/AFAR Conference on the Biology of Aging and the 39th Annual AFAR Grantee Conference, recently co-hosted by AFAR and the Glenn Foundation in late May, exemplifies the lasting impact of Paul Glenn’s vision to foster scientific exchange and move basic research toward translation and interventions that will extend healthspan with lifespan.

Learn more about the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research and Paul F. Glenn’s legacy here: https://glennfoundation.org/about/

Congratulations to AFAR Scientific Director Steven N. Austad, PhD, on receiving the prestigious Denham Harman Research Award, presented by AGE Board Member Holly Brown-Borg, PhD (below, left), at the 2026 American Aging Association (AGE) Annual Meeting. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to aging research, and Dr. Austad presented the lecture, “What’s Worth Doing in Geroscience at This Moment?”

After receiving the award, Dr. Austad sat down with AFAR multiple grantee Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, to discuss the evolution of longevity science, the future of therapeutics to treat or delay age-related diseases, and the future of human lifespan and healthspan.

Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxFnkZ_mRVM

On June 3rd, 2026, at the American Aging Association (AGE) Annual Meeting in Provo, Utah, AFAR presented the 2026 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research to Marianna Sadagurski, PhD, of Wayne State University. Dr. Sadagurski presented a lecture on her research titled "Pharmacological Rejuvenation of the Aging Hypothalamus.”
Read more about Dr. Sadagurski’s award here:https://1dcfb6c0a4.nxcli.net/imported/AFAR-Press-Release_2026-Wright-Cristofalo-Martin-Awards_05.04.26.pdf

AFAR is pleased to share our Ask the Expert Interview with 2026 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research recipient Marianna Sadagurski, PhD, of Wayne State University.
Dr. Sadagurski speaks on the brain-body connection in metabolic health and aging in her interview here: https://www.afar.org/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-2026-cristofalo-awardee-marianna-sadagurski-phd-on-the-brain-body-connection-in-metabolic-health-and-aging

Board Member in the News: TechBullion recently highlighted Sergey Young in an article on his support of healthspan technology companies and his passion for advancing geroscience.
Read the full article here: https://techbullion.com/sergey-young-investor-why-longevity-became-personal-for-him/

From May 27 - 29, 2026, AFAR hosted the joint annual Paul F. Glenn/AFAR Conference on The Biology of Aging and the 39th Annual AFAR Grantee Conference in Santa Barbara, California. AFAR grantees, senior leaders in the field, and foundation representatives convened to hear reports on AFAR-supported research and share insights on emerging directions in the field.

“The range of presentations offered a glimpse into the tremendous momentum in aging research that will help us all live long, healthy lives. From stem cell biology and metabolism, to cognition, resilience, and even regenerative medicine, the topics reflected the pulse of the field,” said AFAR President Thomas A. Rando, MD, PhD. “AFAR brought together a stellar mix of established scientific leaders, emerging investigators, and dedicated supporters-- all united by a shared commitment to extending healthy longevity. As we celebrate AFAR’s 45th anniversary, the promise seen at this meeting is a testament to why continued investment in aging research is so important for healthier aging.”

Explore highlights from this year’s meetings here: https://www.afar.org/news/highlights-from-the-2026-paul-f-glenn-afar-conference-on-the-biology-of-aging-and-the-39th-annual-afar-grantee-conference