A dual approach to addressing gaps in scholar diversity in aging research

• Published in: Gerontology & geriatrics education 2024-04, p.1-10
• Main Authors: Austin, Megan E, Ingram, Lucy A, McCollum, Quentin, Levkoff, Sue E, Friedman, Daniela B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0270-1960; 1545-3847; 1545-3847
• DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2024.2343876

The number of people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in the United States is steadily increasing, with minoritized populations having a disproportionate burden of disease. One strategy to address the racial and ethnic disparities in aging is to diversify scholars in the field of aging, to increase dynamic solution development and create cultural congruence among researchers and participants. The National Institute on Aging has a committed effort to increase and diversify the number of scientists who conduct aging and ADRD research, placing a call for Centers to focus on this effort. In response to the National Institute on Aging call, the Carolina Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Minority Research, housed at the University of South Carolina, proposed a dual approach to addressing these gaps through a joint national conference and mentorship program for underrepresented minoritized faculty. After one year of the program, the participating scholars were surveyed, and successes and growth points of the program were identified to help guide the improvement of this dual approach to addressing gaps in scholar diversity in aging research.