Networking and Academic Resource Initiative

The MFURI Administration has recognized the lack of an extensively, publicly available database of resources for students interested in researching aging. As such, the following steps are being taken to allow for students to maximize their networking opportunities with leading researchers in the field, as well as to educate themselves effectively in the subject material:

• Creation of a database of persons interested in or performing related research

The foundation of a contact database for students has begun on the official MFURI website at: http://www.mfuri.org/networking.htm. Any students, researchers, or even the general public who wish to provide contact information are highly encouraged to do so. The intention of this database is to allow students who are researching a topic, to identify (through other resources on the website) individuals or research teams who are currently performing similar research, and contact them for assistance and recommendations on performing it themselves. In theory, this networking opportunity will allow students to expedite their research, as well as to establish many ever-important professional contacts.

• Creation of a resource database

The Methuselah Foundation is often bombarded (within the forums and elsewhere) with questions from students and non-science individuals about what articles, books, and other publications are the best reading on the subject. In short, people want to know what they should read or study to educate themselves on aging and longevity.

In response to this need, MFURI has created an entire section on the website dedicated to academic resources (http://www.mfuri.org/resources.htm). The section includes topics for literature reviews, students FAQs, recommended reading lists, and promotional materials for MFURI.

• Asking for your help!

To create a database of users and resources for students, MFURI is reaching out to anyone interested or involved in the field. We are looking for people to develop projects for students, or to perform literature reviews that we may compile into a large resource database for student researchers. Please visit our website or contact us (http://www.mfuri.org/contact_us.htm) to get involved!