Sustaining a Research Center on Aging: Strategies for Growth, Resilience, and Impact in Challenging Times

TL;DR

This paper discusses strategies for launching and sustaining a research center on aging amid financial and institutional challenges.

Contribution

The paper provides practical insights and lessons learned for establishing and leading a new aging research center in uncertain environments.

Findings

Strategic alignment with institutional and funding priorities is crucial for center sustainability.

Building interdisciplinary research infrastructure requires administrative and faculty support.

Leveraging partnerships and mentorship enhances research capacity and long-term success.

Abstract

Establishing and sustaining a research center on aging requires strategic vision, institutional support, and adaptability, especially during times of financial uncertainty, shifting institutional and federal priorities, and evolving research landscapes. The Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University was launched with the goal of fostering interdisciplinary research, enhancing community engagement, and developing mentoring and leadership training models for a diverse aging research workforce. However, launching a new aging center among many funding challenges, administrative turnover, and shifting expectations for research productivity presents unique obstacles. This presentation will outline the critical steps, challenges, and opportunities involved in developing a new research center on aging, including: 1) Strategic planning and institutional alignment – positioning the center’s mission within the broader university and external funding landscape; 2) Building research infrastructure – developing administrative and faculty support for interdisciplinary research while navigating institutional and federal constraints; 3) Sustainability and funding challenges – balancing internal and external funding mechanisms, fostering collaborations, and managing shifting priorities; and 4) Opportunities for growth – leveraging partnerships, faculty mentorship, students and early-career researcher engagement to enhance research capacity. By reflecting on lessons learned in launching and leading a research center in today’s uncertain academic and political environment, this session will provide practical strategies for creating and establishing a new center while positioning the center for long-term impact and success.