Translational Aging Research Training Program

Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The population of older adults with chronic disease states and functional and cognitive decline is growing rapidly in the US. In parallel, there has been a rapid expansion in the understanding of aging-related biology that may drive these changes, and a rapid expansion in the development of bioengineering and engineering approaches that can be utilized to help solve health care-related issues. Despite this progress, there remains a gap in the ability to translate biological understanding and engineered approaches into modalities that improve the health and well-being of older adults. In order to further accelerate the pace of discovery in this space, The Translational Aging Research Training Program was successfully implemented in 2018. Despite COVID-19 related disruptions, 14 fellows from clinical, engineering, and biological disciplines were trained to work in this space during the first cycle. The Johns Hopkins Human Aging Project (HAP) has been intentionally designed as a hub that provides interdisciplinary connections with focus on accelerating improvements in the healthspan of older adults. This renewal application describes an updated training program that will take place within the unique HAP ecosystem. The scientific leadership, the research infrastructure, and the diverse and inclusive environment in this ecosystem will continue to provide an outstanding translational research training venue in the next cycle. Specific aims include: 1) the implementation of a diverse, inclusive and rigorous interdisciplinary training program in translational aging research for post-doctoral fellows with MD and PhD degrees through a structured program consisting of a core series of required coursework, interdisciplinary scientific meetings, weekly trainee focused translational aging seminars, individualized training programs, and leadership and career development seminars; 2) the provision of trainees with a primary directed translational aging laboratory experience (either engineering or biology focused) or clinically oriented research project in collaboration with an experienced mentor with research resources; 3) the provision of trainees with access to the robust interdisciplinary and translation-focused aging research infrastructure and collaborative research opportunities available at Johns Hopkins, and 4) the preparation of the trainees for sustained academic careers through individualized mentorship and by utilizing the leadership and career development resources that are available at Johns Hopkins University. At the end of this training program, trainees will have broad interdisciplinary knowledge of aging biology, engineering and bioengineering approaches to problem solving, and major clinical issues facing older adults, a broad knowledge of translational science, and the tools necessary to start a successful academic career. Further, the trainee will have learned career development and leadership skill sets that will facilitate the future development of influential interdisciplinary translational aging careers and research programs.