Introduction to the Special Issue on Advancing Diversity in Aging Research

The following papers represent an early contribution of the National Institute on Aging's commitment to support high-quality research and mentor a more diverse workforce in the field of aging. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development has previously issued calls for such scholarship and has provided opportunities to share some of their teaching techniques that foster and support the next generation of gerontologists. In this issue, we feature both lessons learned from those who design and supervise National Institute of Aging-supported training programs and we highlight some of the work that these diverse scholars are contributing to the field. We hope that by disseminating "lessons learned" and specific research pieces, other labs will begin similar programs. We encourage others to develop and implement innovative training models and explore some of the funding opportunities available to support increasing diversity in aging.