Call for Applications:

The Viviana Goren Khazzam Communications Fellowship

October 1, 2025: Applications Due
November 1, 2025: Announcement of winners

The Academy for Health and Lifespan Research is pleased to announce the Viviana Goren Khazzam Communications Fellowship, honoring the memory of Viviana Goren Khazzam - an award-winning journalist, cultural leader, scientific communicator, philanthropist, and beloved friend of the Academy.

Viviana Goren Khazzam

Viviana’s life was defined by passion, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her commitment to lifelong learning and insatiable curiosity inspired her to explore the frontiers of Geroscience and share its transformative potential with the world. In 2024, she founded the Milan Longevity Summit and played a key role in introducing the Academy to the Vatican, fostering international dialogue around the biology of aging.

This fellowship supports PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows working in laboratories affiliated with Academy members who are committed to advancing the communication of geroscience and fostering global understanding of aging biology.

Eligibility

  • Open to current PhD students and postdoctoral fellows working in labs affiliated with members of the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research and must have a personal recommendation from a member of the Academy.

  • Applicants must demonstrate a passion for science communication and a strong interest in the biology of aging.

Fellowship Goals

The Fellowship is designed to:

  • Support emerging scientists who wish to communicate geroscience in ways that are accessible, engaging, and globally relevant.

  • Encourage the development of creative outreach projects (e.g., writing, media, public speaking, cross-cultural initiatives).

  • Honor Viviana’s legacy by fostering thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue on the science of aging.

Award

  • Fellowship recipients will receive a stipend of $ 7,000 and mentorship opportunities through the Academy.

  • Fellows will also be invited, expenses paid, to participate in select Academy programs, including conferences and communication workshops.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials in a single PDF to Risa@ahlresearch.org with subject line: Khazzam Fellowship.

  1. Statement of Interest (1 page):
    Describe your background, research focus, interest in science communication, and how you would use the fellowship to advance public understanding of geroscience.

  2. Geroscience In Your Words
    In 50 words or fewer, describe geroscience as you would to a member of the public - like your grandmother or your high school English teacher.

  3. CV (2 pages max)

  4. Letter of Recommendation from a current Academy Member

  5. Optional: Links or samples of any previous communication work (writing, video, public talks, etc.)

Deadline: October 1, 2025

Notification: By November 1

We are seeking applicants who share Viviana’s dedication to truth, clarity, and curiosity—and who will help carry her legacy forward by illuminating the promise of aging science for people around the world.