Supporting Diversity in Health and Aging Research and Education: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Gerontological Symposium

Increasing attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have left many researchers and educators in aging scrambling on how best to navigate this political landscape in their research and teaching. In response, the Gerontological Society of America (GSA)’s Public Policy Advisory Panel convened a multidisciplinary panel discussion of experts from the six GSA member groups and three advisory panels in November 2025 to discuss the current state of the research and education, particularly as it relates to diversity in health and aging; current efforts by researchers and educators to adapt and respond to these efforts; and future actionable recommendations on how to continue to support DEI principles in all phases of health and aging research and education. Several common themes emerged across disciplines (collaboration, education, mentorship, and research) that led to four key recommendations: (1) cultivate authentic community relationships and collaboration; (2) intentionally engage historically excluded populations; (3) innovate; and (4) invoke national and state professional and competency standards. Ultimately, this multidisciplinary convening and its ensuing recommendations provide gerontological researchers and educators with both context and guidance for navigating recent attacks on DEI and contribute to a broader conversation on this important topic.