Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research National Coordinating Center (RCMARs NCC)

Project Summary/Abstract The NIA RCMAR program was established in recognition of the value of diversity in the research enterprise to address disparities in health and function trajectories among different racial and socioeconomic groups. Our goal is to establish the RCMARs National Coordinating Center (NCC) at the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), drawing upon

its infrastructure and expertise. The Specific Aims of the RCMARs NCC are: 1. Implement and expand new infrastructure to support the Centers, including an interactive website, robust community-wide online networking platform, tools to enhance collaboration, and resources supporting the creation of new scholarship and fostering culturally aware and

responsive mentorship and career development. 2. In partnership with NIA staff and the RCMAR Community of participating institutions, scientists, trainees, staff, and partners – establish consensus on essential common evaluation metrics and implement a streamlined process for collecting data to support the

evaluation of RCMAR Center activities, including research, collaboration, mentoring, networking, stakeholder engagement, and DEIA. 3. Develop new tools and leverage existing evidence-based tools to provide trainees, early career investigators, and mentors from diverse backgrounds with skills and technical support

necessary to advance their professional growth and diversify the research workforce in the behavioral and social sciences to address minority aging, AD/ADRD, and/or health disparities in older adults. 4. Catalyze resource sharing between and among the RCMAR Centers and cultivate sustainable engagement with key stakeholders including Minority serving institutions (MSIs);

Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCUs], Tribal Colleges and Universities [TCUs], Hispanic Serving Institutions [HSIs]) and other academic institutions serving predominately racially minoritized students and groups), all NIA research Centers, the aging research community, and the public.

5. Enhance the prominence of the RCMAR program, behavioral and social research on aging and AD/ADRD throughout and beyond the aging field. Foster reverence for the value of DEIA in the aging research enterprise by broadly elevating and disseminating the activities and findings of the Centers and their scientists in academic and public venues.