About Us
The theme that is central to our work is "Predictors, Outcomes, and Amelioration of Late-Life Disability: a Focus on Vulnerable Populations." Because late-life disability will affect 80% of older Americans, we work to engage in paradigm-shifting research that changes clinical practice and policy in aging.

The UCSF Pepper Center is founded by our faculty of the UCSF Division of Geriatrics and it consists of 5 cores, each holding expertise in a unique research area:

  • Leadership and Administration Core: responsible for orchestrating research and program initiatives
  • Research Education Core: responsible for career development and mentorship of junior investigators
  • Pilot and Exploratory Studies Core: responsible for mentorship in bridging multidisciplinary investigators into aging-related research
  • Vulnerable Populations Aging Research Core: responsible for mentorship and providing expert guidance on qualitative research
  • Data Analysis Core: responsible for mentorship and providing expert guidance on quantitative research

Our Mission

Since 2013, the UCSF Pepper Center has developed, supported, and mentored an interdisciplinary community of investigators whose discoveries have enhanced the understanding of disability and functional decline in older adults.

We believe that successful aging encompasses having a good quality of life regardless of one’s medical conditions and functional impairments. We seek to understand the needs of the millions of older persons who need our help right now, whether because of complex medical circumstances or because of adverse social circumstances.

Our Center supports researchers who share our passion for improving the well-being of older persons. We view our resources as venture capital to catalyze the careers and research paths of investigators who will do cutting edge research that advances the care, health, and wellbeing of older persons, both within the UCSF community and nationally. 

Our Leadership