ESCAAR

Shape the future of aging

Aging affects every person and community. Too often, people receive narrow messages about what it means to grow older. By focusing on aging and aging-related topics, our fellows tackle some of the most pressing scientific and societal challenges of our time, helping shape healthier, more inclusive futures for all generations.

Turn ideas into solutions

Breakthroughs in aging research won’t improve lives unless they move beyond the lab or the academic setting. We prepare researchers to translate the benefits of their discoveries to a variety of external audiences, increasing their chances of transforming research into therapies, technologies, and programs that can benefit older adults.

Make science accessible

Aging research only makes an impact if people understand it. ESCAAR fellows learn to translate complex science into accessible messages for diverse audiences, ensuring their discoveries inform decisions, reach the communities they are meant to serve, and are viable for commercialization.

Benefits for Fellows

ESCAAR fellows gain resources, training, and networks to accelerate their careers and expand the impact of their research. Fellows receive: 

• $2,000 stipend support for participating in the 10-month program  
• Domestic travel and lodging costs in Baltimore for the Summer Institute and Spring Showcase 
• Personalized mentorship from faculty, industry leaders, and communication experts 
• Opportunities to present research and communication projects at the Spring Symposium 
• A professional portfolio of communication tools tailored for academic, industry, policy, and public audiences 
• Connections to a national network of leaders in aging, health, and innovation, including leaders in industry and science commercialization 

Eligibility

To be considered for the ESCAAR program, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

• Be a U.S. citizen or resident 
• Be a current doctoral student in advanced standing (i.e., after your proposal defense, aka PhD candidate) or a postdoctoral scholar 
• Demonstrate a research focus in aging or age-related issues 
• Commit approximately 15-20 hours per month to the program 
• Able to attend the Summer Institute and Spring Symposium in Baltimore 

If you have questions about eligibility, contact ESCAAR@umaryland.edu. 

Contact Us

Questions? Email ESCAAR@umaryland.edu to learn more.

Support

The ESCAAR Program is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) Research and Entrepreneurial Development Immersion (REDI) program.