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Celebrating the 2026 Viviana Goren Khazzam Communications Fellowship

On February 19, 2026, Avanti Capital and The Academy for Health & Lifespan Research (AHLR) proudly announced the selection of the 2026 cohort of the Viviana Goren Khazzam Communications Fellows. This esteemed group of early-career scientists has been recognized for their commitment to enhancing public understanding of the biology of aging. The fellowship pays tribute to the legacy of Viviana Goren Khazzam, an award-winning journalist, cultural leader, and philanthropist who dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and the dissemination of scientific understanding.

Viviana was known for her profound belief in lifelong learning and had a significant impact on global scientific dialogue, particularly in the realm of geroscience. In 2024, she founded the Milan Longevity Summit and played a key role in introducing the Academy to the Vatican, thus facilitating international discussions on aging. In a heartfelt tribute, Nicholas and Alexis Khazzam shared, "Viviana believed that science only fulfills its promise when it reaches people. She brought a unique blend of curiosity, rigor, and compassion to everything she did. These Fellows embody that same spirit, advancing the biology of aging while ensuring its discoveries are communicated with clarity, integrity, and purpose."

Meet the 2026 Fellows

The selected fellows, comprising PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers from laboratories associated with Academy members, reflect a blend of expertise and enthusiasm for public engagement and outreach. They are:

• - Dr. Asya Martirosyan, PhD: A postdoctoral researcher in Björn Schumacher’s lab at CECAD, Dr. Martirosyan brings over ten years of research experience along with a strong dedication to science outreach.
• - Rebecca Sereda, MS: Currently a doctoral candidate in Dr. Ana Maria Cuervo’s lab at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Sereda is recognized for her groundbreaking work on autophagy and her commitment to enhancing the public's understanding of science.
• - Dr. Jessica Foley, PhD: As a postdoctoral fellow in the Promislow Lab at Tufts University, Dr. Foley excels in bridging scientific research with broader cultural dialogues.
• - Dr. Noga Touitou, PhD: A researcher in Professor Haim Cohen’s lab at Bar-Ilan University, Dr. Touitou's pursuits in metabolism and aging are complemented by her passion for community engagement and science communication.

Throughout the coming year, these fellows will create and implement projects aimed at making geroscience more relatable and accessible to the general public, stepping beyond the confines of academia to meet society's needs for knowledge.

About the Academy for Health & Lifespan Research

Founded in 2019, the AHLR is a nonprofit organization devoted to advancing research on aging, providing support to scientists, informing public policy, and promoting collaboration within the scientific community. By connecting the world's leading scientists, laboratories, and academic institutions, the AHLR aims to facilitate breakthroughs in longevity research that everyone can access.

To explore further about the fellowship and its initiatives, visit AHLR’s official website. Follow the AHLR on social media as they continue to engage and inform the public on crucial developments in aging research and geroscience.