Introduction
The Interstellar Initiative, jointly organized by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and
Development (AMED) and the New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS), is a unique mentorship program aimed at fostering interdisciplinary and international collaboration among early-career researchers. The program focuses on addressing medical challenges in the field of healthy longevity and aging research. This blog post explores the distinctive features of the Interstellar Initiative, the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in
medical research, and the upcoming round of workshops.
Interdisciplinary Teamwork at the Core
The Interstellar Initiative distinguishes itself by encouraging truly interdisciplinary teamwork. The program revolves around a series of workshops hosted by the New York Academy of Sciences, where participants are grouped into teams of three. Each team, including at least one member from Japan, collaboratively develops a research proposal under the guidance of senior scientists. These workshops facilitate lively discussions and help participants determine their roles based on their respective areas of expertise. The ultimate goal is to submit the proposals to international funding agencies like the Human Frontier Science Program, the Alzheimer's Association, and the National Institutes of Health.
Eligibility and Benefits
The program invites applications from young investigators with diverse backgrounds, including clinical research, life sciences, physical sciences, technology, and allied health. These early-career researchers may have recently completed a postdoc or be establishing their own labs as principal investigators. The Interstellar Initiative recognizes the significance of brainstorming with peers from different but complementary fields during this early stage of a researcher's career. By fostering collaboration between experimentalists and theoreticians, the program broadens perspectives and catalyzes novel interdisciplinary collaborations.
Advancing Medical Research through Interdisciplinary Approaches
Collaborative research has emerged as the norm in scientific advancements. The Interstellar Initiative emphasizes the need to support the intersection of ideas by promoting interdisciplinary projects. For instance, the integration of mathematical modeling in medical research is becoming increasingly crucial. Life scientists must collaborate with theoreticians to make sense of the vast amounts of data generated in their studies. The program also welcomes engineers and computer scientists, who bring essential skills such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to the table. The initiative's focus on interdisciplinary collaboration addresses these emerging needs.
The Significance of Healthy Longevity Research
With many countries grappling with the challenges posed by rapidly aging societies, the Interstellar Initiative recognizes the need to develop strategies for ensuring healthy lives for aging populations. In Japan, for example, the proportion of people aged 50 or older is projected to reach nearly 60 percent by 2040. The program has therefore identified healthy longevity as a relevant theme. Healthy longevity research encompasses various aspects, from cellular and subcellular levels to patient-level studies. Participants in the program have explored diverse topics, including mitochondria research and real-world patient studies. The broad scope of life sciences related to aging offers numerous angles for addressing healthy longevity.
Upcoming Round of Workshops
The call for applications for the 2021–2022 round of workshops, commencing in September, is open until May 24, 2021. The first workshop will be held virtually, and virtual participation options will be available for those unable to travel to New York in February 2022. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their research can relate to healthy longevity, even if they work in different fields. The program provides opportunities for building networks, receiving feedback from established scientists, sharing ideas with teammates, and discussing common issues like managing a lab, applying for grants, and training graduate students. Early-career investigators from around the world are encouraged to apply.
Conclusion
The Interstellar Initiative stands out as a mentorship program that promotes interdisciplinary
and international collaboration among early-career investigators in the field
From: https://www.nature.com/articles/d42473-021-00165-9
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