Author: Trish D'Antonio

In June, Dr. Francis Collins, NIH Director, released a statement indicating that he would no longer participate in so-called “manels,” or all-male speaking panels.   Before accepting any speaking invitation, Dr. Collins now assesses the extent to which women and other groups typically underrepresented in science are included on the event agenda.  Consistent with Dr. Collins’ decision, Dr. Richard Hodes, NIA Director, is also committing to assessing the inclusivity of an event’s agenda before accepting an invitation to speak.   Dr. Hodes announced his commitment to inclusivity and diversity at scientific meetings and conferences in a recent statement.

FoNIA is grateful for the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies’ continued commitment to the mission of National Institutes of Health (NIH), and, in particular, the research supported and conducted by the National Institute on Aging (NIA).  Friends of NIA (FoNIA) respectfully request at least $41.6 billion in funding for the NIH.  Within this amount, we request that an increase of $500 million over FY 2019 levels be designated in support of cross-Institute aging research initiatives.  In addition, the FONIA requests an increase of at least $350 million above the final enacted amount for FY 2019 for AD/ADRD research at the NIH.

This event is hosted by:

In an important step toward meeting the growing demand for volunteers in Alzheimer’s clinical research, NIA has introduced new tools for Alzheimer’s clinical trials recruitment. Dr. Nina Silverberg, Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers Programs, posted to the InsideNIA blog this week to announce the debut of ADORE (Alzheimer’s and Dementia Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Resources). ADORE is a searchable online toolbox designed to help researchers engage, recruit, and retain participants in clinical trials and studies for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADORE currently hosts over 300 resources, including the new Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Clinical Studies Recruitment Planning Guide. In addition to ADORE, the NIA published a series of four videos profiling participants in AD clinical trials – we encourage you to download these videos and use them as part of engagement and recruitment efforts.

The 137^th National Advisory Council on Aging meeting is scheduled for May 21& 22, 2019.  Members of the public are welcome to join the open portion of the meeting, which will take place on Wednesday, May 22 from 8AM – 12:45PM. Interested parties may attend in-person at the meeting location (Building 60 on the NIH Campus, Bethesda, MD) or watch live via videocast.