Buck Institute to Partner With USC on New Program on Aging

Buck Institute is teaming up with the University of Southern California to create a new PhD program in Biology of Aging, the first such program the nation.

The Novato-based research institute is scheduled to announce the partnership Wednesday at the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society of America in New Orleans.

The interdisciplinary doctoral program between Buck and USC's Davis School of Gerontology, will draw on the two institution’s long-established expertise in understanding the connection between aging and chronic disease through biomedical research. 

Faculty from both organizations will teach courses and mentor students, with the first class beginning in fall 2014 and students having the option of spending time at the USC campus in Los Angeles and at the Buck Institute in Northern California. 

“Establishing this PhD program marks a milestone in the development of the Buck, both in terms of our mission and our commitment to lead the field of aging research,” said Buck President and CEO, Brian Kennedy, in a prepared statement. 

“The next generation of scientists dedicated to extending human healthspan are waiting in the wings – this program will allow them to jump into the field fully prepared to participate and make their own breakthroughs.” 

Buck Institute is a leader in age-related research, attracting researchers from all over the world who come to the center to study Alzheimer's, cancer, macular degeneration, Parkinson's and other age-related diseases. In recent years, research has focused on ways to delay aging as the best possible way of combating the diseases.