Networking and Mentoring Core

The long-term objective of the Networking and Mentoring Core (NMC) is to support the mission of the JHU AITC by establishing innovative research, education, and outreach networks beyond the institution's boundaries and bringing in resources to build AITC programs at a quicker pace than it can do with the P30 grant alone. This core also aims to help establish a cadre of diverse and interdisciplinary, well-trained, highly motivated pilot awardees who will become leaders and mentors in AI and aging and its translation into strategies to maintain independence, health, and robustness of older adults. The NMC aims to accomplish this objective through five specific aims: 1) To expand the reach of the AITC by bringing together unique resources from industry, government, academia, and non-profit groups to advance science and mentor the next generation of technologists and clinicians who innovate for older Americans. 2) To launch a state-of-the-art online platform in which the best evidence on Al and aging science, clinical practice, and healthy aging, including those produced by the AITC, are efficiently disseminate to stakeholders. 3) To promote scientific interaction on AI and aging to support the field's progress to the benefit of older adults. 4) To curate a portfolio of online materials that provide in-depth training on key aspects of AI and aging. 5) To develop a diverse and interdisciplinary group of pilot awardees, including those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups and disadvantaged backgrounds. To achieve these aims, the core proposes to build three overlapping partner networks of experts in innovation and commercialization, education and mentoring, and stakeholder engagement. Members come from academia, government, companies, advocacy groups, patients, families, payers, and providers. Collaborations within and across these networks will be actively managed in quarterly and annual meetings, ideation events, policy briefings, and investor conferences, with the results affirmatively disseminated by electronic, print, and in-person modalities.