The ESCAAR program combines immersive in-person learning, monthly synchronous online workshops, asynchronous modules, and a culminating showcase to give fellows the skills, networks, and deliverables needed to expand their careers and amplify the impact of their research.
Program Features
July: Summer Institute in Baltimore
The summer institute is a 2.5 day in-person workshop at the University of Maryland, Baltimore that launches the cohort with collaborative networking, mentorship, and skill-building.
Fellows will:
- Connect with peers and mentors through team-building activities and group discussions
- Engage in panel discussions with experts in aging, innovation, and communication
- Outline communication materials tailored to audiences and stakeholders they want to reach
- Participate in interactive workshops
Deliverables/Outcomes:
- Meet and establish relationship with mentor
- Develop cohort connections that will carry through the program
- Draft communication plans for targeted audiences
- Gather real world feedback
Mentorship
Each ESCAAR fellow is paired with a faculty mentor whose research aligns closely with their own. The faculty mentor provides individualized guidance throughout the 10-month fellowship and helps fellows connect their expertise to broader applications in entrepreneurship, science communication, and aging-related innovation. In addition, each fellow is matched with an experienced mentor who brings expertise in translating scientific research for nonacademic audiences. Together, these complementary mentoring relationships help fellows bridge discovery, translation, and impact across sectors and communities.
In addition to their primary faculty mentor, fellows will engage with a network of experts through workshops, panels, and feedback sessions designed to expand their professional perspectives and skill sets.
Deliverables/Outcomes:
- Individual mentorship from a faculty member with expertise in their research area
- Individual mentorships with experienced professionals who can help you tailor the specific of your audience engagement and storytelling
- Entrepreneurial insight from industry and commercial leaders
- An expanded network of mentors, collaborators, and partners in the aging innovation ecosystem
August–March: Online Curriculum
The online curriculum combines structured learning with ongoing peer and mentor engagement to build fellows’ skills throughout the year. Each month focuses on a different theme in aging, entrepreneurship, and science communication (SciComm). Sample topics include: Reframing Aging and Combating Ageism; Steps to Commercialize Scientific Discovers through Intellectual Property and Product Development; and Social Media, Blogs, and Podcasts: Reaching Public Audiences and Investors.
Fellows will also use this time to develop their program portfolio and check in with their mentors.
Fellows will:
- Participate in regular Zoom sessions with their cohort and mentors
- Engage in synchronous activities such as discussion boards and online exercises
- Build practical skills through trainings on design and communication tools like Canva
- Receive written, audio, and feedback from mentors and peers on their science communication materials
Deliverables/Outcomes:
- Portfolio of communication materials
- Skills in translating complex research for multiple audiences
- Expanded understanding of entrepreneurship pathways in aging and health
April: Spring Showcase
The program culminates in a showcase at the University of Maryland, Baltimore that highlights the fellows’ portfolios and demonstrates their ability to communicate research beyond the lab. Researchers, industry and commercial partners, and community members are invited to attend, giving fellows the chance to share their work with diverse audiences and build valuable connections.
Fellows will:
- Deliver formal presentations of their program portfolios to a panel of expert judges
- Share their work through informal presentations at the annual ESCAAR fair, open to public audiences
- Participate in an assessment and reflection activity with their cohort to evaluate growth and exchange feedback
Deliverables/Outcomes:
- A completed project portfolio formally evaluated by industry experts
- Networking with faculty mentors, peers, and invited stakeholders
- Feedback on commercialization or dissemination pathways
- Professional visibility and recognition
Next Steps
Applications open in January. Stay informed by signing up to get notified.