4 JEAN MAYER USDA HUMAN NUTRITION RESEARCH CENTER ON AGING 2016 PROGRESS REPORT 5 FROM THE INTERIM DIRECTOR Discovery. It is what drives the work of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging. NASA has its Discovery Program, with a self-described objective to give “scientists the opportunity to dig deep into their imaginations and find innovative ways to unlock the mysteries of the solar system.” Substitute solar system with the human aging system and you have the HNRCA. Every day more than 200 scientists, research staff and trainees seek to discover novel ways that nutrition influences the aging process and encourages vitality and independent living.  We are proud to be just one of six human nutrition research centers in the U.S. that operate through a cooperative agreement with the USDA’s chief scientific in-house research agency, the Agricultural Research Services. We are also committed to the discovery of the best among the next generation of scientists. While research is our most visible contribution, developing future leaders is an important part of our enterprise. Our close relationship among the diversity of schools at Tufts University allows us the good fortune to attract so many promising future leaders. This progress report is a snapshot of our recent discoveries – reaching from within our laboratories to collaborations that stretch from our local community and beyond. Of course, the impact we contribute to the field of healthy and active aging is greater than these pages.  I encourage you to stay connected through our website (hnrca.tufts.edu) and other social media for our most current research and community activities. We will continue to explore new frontiers in nutrition with a shared passion to provide society trusted science that will help the growing – and graying – global population age with greater vitality and independence. Please enjoy this report in good health, Sarah Booth, Ph.D. Interim Center Director