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When it comes to making an impact in research, communication is key!
But not everyone has the right tools to effectively communicate research into solutions that can drive health outcomes for adults living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
The University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies wants to close the knowledge gaps in research communication by offering a program to doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars with backgrounds in aging and aging-related research.
The Entrepreneurship and Science Communication for Aging and Aging-Related Research (ESCAAR) program aims to improve aging-focused research communication with a cohort of trainees for a 10-month program.
Let’s discuss how the ESCAAR program, supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), will tackle aging-related research challenges in communications and how to apply.
ESCAAR Program on Aging-Focused Research Communication
Over the course of 10 months, members of the cohort will engage in in-person learning, monthly online workshops, modules, and showcase to give participants the skills they need to “amplify the impact of their research,” according to the ESCARR program webpage.
The program kicks off with an in-person 2.5-day workshop in July at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
During this workshop fellows will participate in team-building activities, group discussions, panel discussions with experts, work on communication skills through tailored materials, and engage in interactive workshops.
By the end of the workshop, fellows will have met and established a relationship with their faculty mentors, which every fellow is assigned, make connections within the program, come up with a communication plan for the audience they intend to reach, and get valuable feedback.
The in-person workshop is followed up by an online course from August to March.
In that time, fellows will learn about topics like reframing aging and combating ageism and how to reach audiences through social media, blogs, and podcasts.
They will get time to engage with their peers and mentors through Zoom sessions, participate in discussion boards and online exercises and practice practical communication tools like designing in Canva.
Through the online course, fellows will gain a portfolio of communications materials and skills in translating research for an audience, among other course outcomes.
All of this culminates in a spring showcase in April at the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
While there, fellows will share their portfolios and give presentations to a panel of experts and to the public and reflect back on their time in the program and what they’ve learned.
Outcomes for the final part of the program include sharing a portfolio, networking with faculty mentors, peers, and stakeholders, and gaining professional visibility.
If all this interests you and your work, you are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Applications are open to doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars, or early-career investigators.
Materials include a description and overview of your current research focus, a CV or resume, statement of interest, and a letter of professional support to be signed and delivered via email to ESCAAR@umaryland.edu before the application deadline.
Applications for the inaugural cohort for the 2026-2027 calendar year are open from Jan. 15, 2026, to March 15, 2026.
Those selected will undergo a 30-minute Zoom interview in early April 2026 and those accepted into the program will be notified by April 15, 2026.
Questions about the program or application process can be submitted via email to ESCAAR@umaryland.edu.
Editor’s note: This blog post was curated and published with support from the San Antonio Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Population Aging and Social Studies (CAPAS) at UT Health San Antonio. CAPAS is striving to address issues related to the aging Latino population in South Texas.
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