ESCAAR

The Entrepreneurship and Science Communication for Aging and Aging-Related Research (ESCAAR)

The Entrepreneurship and Science Communication for Aging and Aging-Related Research (ESCAAR) program at the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies is a 10-month fellowship for doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars with a defined research focus in aging or age-related topics.

ESCAAR equips fellows with entrepreneurial and communication skills to expand their career opportunities and translate discoveries into solutions that improve the lives of older adults.

Annual cohorts run for 10 months, from July to April. Applications for our inaugural 2026-2027 cohort will open in January 2026.

Our Philosophy

Shape the future of aging

older people hiking and smiling

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

people standing in front of glass with post it notes

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

people speaking at conference

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.

Next Steps

Applications open in January. Stay informed by signing up to get notified.

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