In January 2010, the NIH National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) awarded UF a grant to construct a new Institute on Aging Building with approximately 40,000 square feet of office and research space, with 10,000 square feet dedicated to clinical research space. A LEED Platinum facility that opened in 2013, the Clinical and Translational Research Building (CTRB) also houses the UF Clinical and Translational Science Institute and its Clinical Research Center; the departments of epidemiology and biostatistics; and clinical research teams spanning multiple colleges.
The space includes lobby and reception areas, conference rooms, 9 exam/interview rooms, and one large functional performance room that can be adapted for a wide range of research assessments. Examples of assessments includes physical exams, cognitive assessments, dual tasking, bone densitometry, body composition, muscle biopsy sample collection, phlebotomy, muscle strength, physical performance measures), 25 meter corridor to perform walking testing, biological specimen (blood, urine, muscle, fat) collection rooms, processing and temporary storage, and small laboratory area, nurse station, storage, drugs for pharmacological studies, participant records, participant lounge, staff lounge, and faculty and staff office/work areas.
Clinical Research Resources
The Institute on Aging serves as a centralized hub for advancing high-quality clinical research on aging. We provide comprehensive support across the research lifecycle, including protocol design, regulatory navigation, participant recruitment, geriatric-focused clinical assessments, biospecimen collection, and data management in collaboration with other cores. The team works closely with investigators to ensure studies maintain scientific rigor while remaining operationally efficient.
The IOA has a strong track record of clinical research impact, having supported over 70 externally funded projects along with career development scholars and pilot awardees. A key strength is its robust participant recruitment infrastructure, including a growing community registry of more than 3000 individuals and active hospital-based recruitment partnerships. In addition to supporting ongoing studies, we also look to innovate through initiatives focused on expanding remote health research capacity and integrating AI-enabled tools to enhance clinical research efficiency and rigor.
clinical research
Resources & Services
The Clinical Research Core provides the resources and expertise for conducting research across the spectrum of investigation of clinical trials, as well as observational studies of risk and outcomes related to mobility and prevention of disability. A full list of equipment is available through the following downloadable PDF.
Metabolism & Translational Science Resources
The IOA has a strong emphasis on Metabolism and Translational Science. Its mission is to translate key biological and metabolic mechanisms into clinically meaningful insights that inform aging and mobility outcomes. Over more than 17 years, IOA researchers have developed a robust suite of geroscience measures focused on mitochondrial function, inflammation, cellular senescence, autophagy, and iron regulation—providing investigators with state-of-the-art tools to study the biology of aging.
We have a strong record of supporting investigators across disciplines, contributing to over 70 externally funded projects and mentoring scholars and pilot awardees. Beyond direct project support, this core serves as a critical technical resource for researchers who may lack specialized laboratory expertise or infrastructure, expanding access to translational science capabilities across the institution. We also lead innovative efforts to develop new methods for assessing mitochondrial dysfunction, including emerging approaches using extracellular vesicles, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge aging research.
Metabolism & Translational Science
Resources
Our facilities offer world-class equipment and resources, and the ability to obtain various types of samples. See table below for examples of available equipment.
Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence Resources
Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence efforts at the Institute on Aging position UF at the forefront of innovation in aging research. These programs focus on leveraging AI, mobile technologies, and remote monitoring tools to better understand health and mobility in real-world settings. Investigators are supported through the development and validation of cutting-edge platforms, including smartphone and smartwatch applications that enable continuous, longitudinal data collection from sensors, geospatial inputs, and patient-reported outcomes. These data streams can also be integrated with electronic health records, creating powerful opportunities for comprehensive, real-time insights.
This area has rapidly grown in impact, supporting dozens of research projects, scholars, and pilot studies across the Institute. In addition to providing technical infrastructure, the team plays a key role in mentoring investigators on the use of digital tools and gerotechnology in aging research. Ongoing efforts continue to expand capabilities in advanced analytics, including the use of artificial intelligence and large language models to interact with complex datasets, further enhancing the Institute’s ability to drive innovation and discovery in aging science.
digital health and artificial intelligence
Resources
A full list of equipment is available through the following downloadable PDF.
Additional Support and Resources
The Institute on Aging provides a broad range of additional support services that enhance the rigor, efficiency, and innovation of aging research. The IOA utilizes shared resources in the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center. These resources span biostatistics, informatics, and advanced biological measurement capabilities, ensuring investigators have access to expertise across all phases of the research lifecycle. From study design, sample size estimation, and randomization planning to database development and advanced analytics, IOA-supported teams contribute to the success of a wide range of projects. Secure data infrastructure—including using REDCap, integrated electronic health record systems, and Amazon Web Services—enables high-quality data management, while curated research datasets and high-performance computing resources support large-scale and complex analyses.
In addition, through partnerships, the Institute offers a growing menu of techniques in systems physiology and multi-omics research, providing investigators access to cutting-edge approaches such as proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. These resources support both preclinical and translational research, with an emphasis on rapidly linking biological discovery to human health outcomes. Emerging efforts also incorporate novel technologies, including AI-enabled approaches to quantify mobility and physiological function. Together, these resources expand the scope and impact of aging research at UF.
For more detailed information, please visit the Pepper Center website.