The University of Rochester's Center for Aging and Developmental Biology is one of four recipients of a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) declaring it a Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging. Named for Dr. Nathan Wetherell Shock these centers are designed to stimulate and enhance research into the basic biological processes of aging, and to facilitate the planning and coordination of research on aging activities. Additionally, the centers provide a suitable environment for fellows and junior faculty to acquire research skills and experience at institutions that have demonstrated a commitment to, and expertise in, basic biology of aging research. Ultimately, research at Nathan Shock Centers is expected to yield breakthroughs in understanding the course of normal aging and diseases and conditions that affect older people, such as frailty and cancer.

WHO WAS NATHAN SHOCK?

Nathan Wetherell Shock, Ph.D., the first scientific director of the NIA, pioneer in the field of aging and developer of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging began his gerontology career in 1941 as the chief of the newly formed Unit on Gerontology of the Division of Physiology of the then five year old National Institutes of Health. Dr. Shock's work as head of the Gerontology Branch (now the Gerontology Research Center, or GRC) established the science of gerontology in America as a rigorous scientific discipline. He was a founder and president of the International Association of the Gerontological Society of America. Officially retiring in 1977, Dr. Shock continued his work as Scientist Emeritus until his death in 1989.

THEMATIC FOCUS OF THE ROCHESTER NATHAN SHOCK CENTER

The focus of the University of Rochester Nathan Shock Center is basic molecular and cellular biology of aging. This includes molecular and genetic approaches to normative senescence and dysfunction including age-related diseases. This emphasis on cellular and genetic approaches maximizes the synergy with newly recruited investigators to the Aab Institute for Biomedical Research and in particular to the Center for Aging and Developmental Biology.

FOUR FOLD PURPOSE OF THE ROCHESTER NATHAN SHOCK CENTER

(1) To enhance the quality of research in the basic biology of aging: The Nathan Shock Center adds an important dimension to the research environment at the University of Rochester by providing access to catalytic resources, thus amplifying the University's investment in research. Through the Nathan Shock Center, newly recruited and extant faculty have access to cutting edge core facilities required to expand their research efforts on basic biology related to aging.
(2) To facilitate planning and coordination of research on aging activities:The Nathan Shock Center is an important conduit connecting our basic research faculty with diverse programs in translational and clinical aging research across the University of Rochester. The marked enhancements provided by the Nathan Shock Center facilitates coordination of our aging community in two tangible ways. First, the Core Resources stimulate interactions between scientists using sophisticated molecular and cellular methods. Second, the Research Development Core provides for faculty enrichment that leads to discussions and collaborations between basic, translation and clinical scientists, thereby linking and augmenting research programs in aging.
(3) To establish regional and national technologies as a resource in gerontology:Through the activities of the Core Resources unique and valuable resources have been established within the Nathan Shock Center that have made us a regional resource.
(4) To create an environment for faculty growth in aging research:Our Research Development Core, creates a suitable environment for junior faculty and other investigators new to aging research to acquire research skills and experience. These purposes are served by a structure of Nathan Shock Senior Faculty that select Nathan Shock Junior Faculty for support, provide funding from institutional resources, select Pilot Projects for funding, assure junior faculty access to facilities needed for their research, and mentor junior faculty by monitoring their progress and guiding their career development. A collegial, intellectual environment for faculty development is enhanced by didactic seminars, visiting scholars and a yearly research retreat.