Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Clin-STAR initiative?

The Clin-STAR initiative aims to connect and support the development of clinician-scientists across a variety of disciplines in order to expand and synergize aging research that focuses on improving the health, independence and well-being of older adults. Please find more information about Clin-STAR here.

What is the difference between GEMSSTAR and Clin-STAR?

In a March 2020 blog, NIA Medical Officer Susan Zieman describes how the Clin-STAR program is building on the GEMSSTAR initiative. Read the blog here.

Who can join the Clin-STAR community and how?

The Clin-STAR Coordinating Center invites clinician-scientists at all career levels across a variety of disciplines with a focus on aging/geriatric research to join. The Clin-STAR pilot award funding opportunity is designed to support early career investigators who have an academic appointment. GEMSSTAR and Beeson Scholars are welcome to join Clin-STAR.

Sign-up here to join the Clin-STAR community.

Do you recommend that we encourage current and/or alumni MSTAR trainees to sign up for the listserv?

Yes, while not all opportunities offered through Clin-STAR are available to MSTAR students, we strongly encourage these future leaders in aging to take advantage of the available resources and opportunities for networking and mentoring.

Is this program primarily geared toward MDs or are these activities also open to investigators from other disciplines?

Activities are open to investigators from other health professions such as psychologists, physical/occupational therapists, nurses, dentists, etc.

I am not a new investigator, but transitioning my interest to the aging field. Would there be opportunities for me to utilized the opportunities of Clin-STAR.

Yes, Clin-STAR will offer mentoring, networking and funding opportunities for clinician-scientists at different stages of their careers.

Will the Clin-STAR program help PhD scientists at every level or it is only focused toward clinical researchers?

The focus of Clin-STAR is for clinician-scientists, which includes PhD scientists from other clinical health professions. Researchers who are not clinician-scientists may review opportunities available at AFAR, the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN), and Clin-STAR's Other Funding Opportunities for other mechanisms for which you may qualify.

Can I attend the Clin-STAR Annual Meeting?

The Clin-STAR Annual Meeting is by invitation only.

How do I know if I'm eligible for any of the funding or outreach opportunities?

Funding and outreach opportunities will be shared via Clin-STAR listserv and on the website under "Funding Opportunities" as they become available. Please review the description for eligibility criteria and visit the Funding Opportunity FAQ for more information.

Is ClinSTAR doing anything related to COVID19 pandemic?

Please find COVID-19 funding resources here. The Clin-STAR database will serve as a resource to facilitate collaboration for such research. Additionally, Clin-STAR has co-sponsored COVID-related webinars, shares stories of clinician-scientists on the frontlines of response to the pandemic, and will prepare a range of relevant programming for the 2020 Clin-STAR Annual Meeting (virtual).

My Specialty Society Aging Interest Group is hosting some virtual meeting or webinars focused on aging? Can these be posted on the Clin-STAR website and if so, how/who do I contact?

Please email events or resources offered by your aging interest group to contact@clin-star.org.

Is there a way to find out about other webinars from other groups?

Clin-STAR gladly shares information about events hosted by other initiatives promoting advancements in aging research and care. Events are listed at clin-star.org under "Events." Please email contact@clin-star.org if you would like to have your event listed here.

Will the information we put into the database secure?

A third-party vendor will be retained to develop and maintain the database, including ensuring all data is secured.

I do research in Frailty – how can Clin-STAR help me find other investigators studying ‘frailty’?

The Clin-STAR database will be a resource to help clinician-scientists find other investigators with similar interests. There are also ten research interest groups for those with similar research interests, including one for frailty.

Will Clin-STAR create the opportunity to chat and ask questions of colleagues/ experts in specific fields?

The Clin-STAR database is a resource to help identify researchers with varied interests and expertise, as well as to connect with potential mentors and collaborators.

If we miss a date for Office Hours but have questions for that mentor, would it be okay to email them directly?

No, all communications should be directed to the National Program Office which will try to facilitate between you and the mentor.

Is Clin-STAR only for US nationals or for clinician researchers from low middle income countries?

The Clin-STAR program is designed for clinician-scientists at U.S. institutions.