The School of Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, a world leader in academic medicine and medical research, has joined Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), one of the leading life reinsurance companies in North America, to co-sponsor an RGA/Washington University Research Partnership — The Longer Life Foundation (LLF).

The Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, funds research that has immediate and practical applications for health promotion and for the assessment of longevity trends. Please read our Mission Statement. The Foundation will study the scientific and social factors that help predict longevity and wellness in selected populations, domestically and internationally. The Washington University faculty's expertise, combined with the risk-underwriting expertise of RGA, offers the potential to publish leading research in this field. Findings will be published for the benefit of the entire medical community, to help improve human health and longevity.

The Foundation's Board of Advisors, consisting of a diverse group of physicians and researchers from the University, as well as medical directors and underwriting experts from RGA and other life insurance organizations, will evaluate grant proposals and make recommendations to the Foundation's Board of Governors.

THE LONGER LIFE CENTER AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

Washington University's Longer Life Center was established in 2000 to serve as a university base to stimulate and support research and scholarly activity related to the mission and goals of the Longer Life Foundation. The Center is a joint enterprise of the Washington University School of Medicine and Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA).

Beyond the scope of specific projects funded by the Foundation, an overall goal of the Center is to stimulate the development of a network of researchers at Washington University,who will carry out projects pertinent to the interests of the Foundation. To further support this goal, the Center hosts research seminars, guest speakers, and other activities throughout the year.

A second goal of the Center is to serve as an interface between Washington University researchers and members of the insurance industry. A directory of university researchers, developed by the Center, facilitates access to appropriate resources and expertise.

The Longer Life Center, directed by Samuel Klein, M.D., is located in the Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Sciences at the Washington University School of Medicine.