The National Institute on Aging (NIA) will now hold the next meeting of the National Advisory Council on Aging (NACA) on April 22, following a March 7 letter GSA sent on behalf of 13 organizations urging the rescheduling of its canceled January meeting.
NACA conducts the second level review of all NIA applications and is a necessary step prior to any funding decisions.
NIA sent a response letter to GSA on March 25, saying, “We acknowledge your concerns … and assure you that we are making every effort to ensure that NACA conducts its second level of review, so that we can continue the vital federal investment into aging research. Our grants management staff are poised to make awards as soon as possible.”
Approving research grant applications, assessing training programs, and recommending funding for groundbreaking aging research are fundamental to NACA's mission. As stated in GSA’s original letter to NIA, "Canceling these meetings delays vital, lifesaving research that could improve well-being across the lifespan. Research from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) has contributed to increased life expectancy and a longer, healthier life. Continued investment in aging research is more critical than ever.”