University of Wisconsin–Madison

Weindruch Scholar Award

The Weindruch Scholar Award is a career development program established by the Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center (WiNSC) to support the future leaders in aging biology research. Named in honor of Richard Weindruch, a pioneer in aging research at UW–Madison, this award provides resources and mentoring to help early stage investigators pursue innovative research directions and accelerate their careers.

2026 Weindruch Scholar Award Recipients

The Wisconsin Nathan Shock Center is pleased to announce the 2026 Weindruch Scholars, selected through a highly competitive review process following careful consideration by WiNSC leadership.

  • Dr. Tim Rhoads, Acetylation of the RNA helicase DDX39B as a metabolic switch during caloric restriction
  • Dr. Zachary Fennel, Age-related alterations in immunometabolism in skeletal muscle health and recovery

The 2026 Weindruch Scholars will utilize WiNSC Core services, participate in structured mentoring, and engage in future WiNSC scientific programming.

2026 Scholar Profiles

Dr. Tim Rhoads is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at UW–Madison. His laboratory focuses on transcriptional regulation of metabolism in rodent and cell culture models with emphasis on RNA processing in the mechanisms of enhanced longevity by caloric restriction. Dr. Rhoads uses large-scale analyses and systems biology tools to identify new targets that may be linked to the aging process, and to inform subsequent mechanistic investigations to uncover novel aging biology that can be targeted therapeutically. Dr. Rhoads’s research is supported by NIH/NIA and the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR).

Headshot of Tim Rhoads

Dr. Zachary Fennel is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Utah studying the biology of aging, with a focus on skeletal muscle, immunometabolism, and recovery from muscle atrophy and injury. His work integrates preclinical and clinical approaches to investigate how age‑related changes in macrophage immunometabolism influence muscle health and resilience. Dr. Fennel’s research is supported by the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, and Nathan Shock Centers.

Headshot of Zachary Fennel

Background and Intent

The award is designed to recognize exceptional early stage scientists with potential to become future leaders in aging biology. It aims to foster exploration of new ideas and to provide synergistic mentoring tailored to the aging research field. Scholars are integrated into the WiNSC community and connected with experts who can guide their growth as independent researchers.

Funding and Use of Funds

Each Weindruch Scholar receives $50,000 in research support, provided as a voucher to access services among WiNSC Cores. As part of the program, awardees have access to technical expertise and a collaborative environment that supports advancement of their work.

Award Term

Each Weindruch Scholar receives $50,000 in research support for a one‑year project period, provided as a voucher to access WiNSC Core services. Scholars participate in structured mentoring and ongoing engagement with the WiNSC community, including presenting their work at a future WiNSC symposium or annual meeting.

Eligibility

  • Open to early‑career investigators (less than 10 years since PhD), including senior postdoctoral fellows and new Principal Investigators.
  • Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to basic biology of aging and show potential for significant impact in the field.
  • Early-stage investigators from across the nation are encouraged to apply.

Weindruch Scholar Program Application Details

The next application cycle for the Weindruch Scholar Award is expected to open in 2027. Updated information and application materials will be posted when available.

Previous application deadline: April 1, 2026
Next application cycle: Anticipated in 2027

When applications are open, submissions typically include the following components:

Format for all elements of the application

  • Arial 11 pt font with 0.5” margins
  • Data elements must fit within the page limits
  • Final submission must be a single PDF file

Application Requirements

  1. Weindruch Scholar Applicant Information: Name, degree, position, academic institution, and department
  2. Scientific Research Statement (up to 2 pages): Describe the area of focus with emphasis on relevance to aging biology, metabolism and translational potential, innovation, and future directions. Do include past accomplishments and impactful contributions
  3. Future Vision Statement (up to 1 page): Outline professional goals, leadership experience, engagement with the scientific community, and explain how the award will accelerate career development. Please include a Statement of Commitment to aging research in an academic setting.
  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Application submission instructions and deadlines will be provided when the next application cycle opens.

Awardee Responsibilities

  • Must agree to present their research at a WiNSC Symposium or Annual Meeting
  • Use funds within WiNSC Cores
  • Respond to requests for a brief annual update on career progression
  • Participate in mentoring opportunities and maintain communication with mentors throughout and beyond the award period
  • Engage with other Weindruch Scholars, WiNSC and members of national Nathan Shock Centers, and the broader aging research community
  • Report outcomes such as publications, collaborations, and subsequent funding

Additional Support

WiNSC will cover travel expenses for awardees to attend the WiNSC Symposium or Annual Meeting.

Questions? Contact WiNSC Program Manager Alicia Weich at winsc@medicine.wisc.edu