Media Contacts: Kate Deely  (619) 543-6163

UCSD STEIN INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON AGING HOSTS OPEN HOUSE WITH LECTURES, POSTER PRESENTATIONS

The UCSD Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging (SIRA) will host its annual Spring Opening on Thursday, April 27, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in Garren Auditorium, Basic Science Building, UCSD School of Medicine campus, La Jolla.

The event will begin with an introduction and presentation of SIRA by Daniel F. Kripke, M.D., UCSD Department of Psychiatry. Guest speaker Mary Corr, M.D., UCSD Department of Medicine, will speak on "Inflammatory Arthritis: An Exposé," followed by Dr. Kripke's lecture on "What Sleep Problems Need Treatment as We Age?"

Through the years, SIRA and the Student Investigator Award Program have provided students interested in aging and geriatric research an opportunity to work with a faculty mentor in designing and implementing a piece of original research. These students will share their accomplishments through a poster presentation summarizing their work following the lectures. UCSD School of Medicine faculty also will present posters summarizing their research and will be available to answer questions. Each faculty member presenting a poster has received a grant from the SIRA Faculty Start-Up Grant Program.

Members of SIRA, faculty, students, staff and the public are invited to attend the opening. It's an opportunity to personally meet the scientists who are contributing to our health, well-being and longevity. SIRA members may call the SIRA office at 858-534-6299 to order an evening parking permit. Some spaces have been reserved for the general public. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 858-534-6299.

Established in 1983 at the UCSD School of Medicine, SIRA's purpose is to advance lifelong health and independence for people in their later years through programs in education, research and patient care. It's one of the few centers in the country studying the genetics and biology of aging.