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In the span of 20 years, an acorn can grow into a 40-foot oak tree, Jupiter completes nearly two full revolutions of the Sun, and the human body generates more than 2 quintillion cells. Although RLA is still working toward our first quintillion meeting summaries, we’re proud of the growth and progress we’ve achieved in our first 20 years and are excited to embark on our second score of years dedicated to moving science forward in service of humanity.

Cultivating collaborations

One of RLA's very first projects helped support a diverse group of experts appointed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to the Data Monitoring Committee for the National Long-Term Care Survey. It’s exciting to still be supporting scientific exchanges that advance discovery 20 years later—and even more exciting to see how the networks of exchange have grown during that time. Whether it's promoting new tools for scientific collaboration, enabling scientists from around the world to convene at virtual and in-person events, or synthesizing cross-disciplinary research into publications, here's a sampling of what we've been honored to support recently:



• Development and implementation of a campaign to amplify the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities’ launch of ScHARe (Science Collaborative for Health disparities and Artificial intelligence bias Reduction), a cloud computing and research collaboration platform designed to foster a paradigm shift in health disparities, health outcomes, and artificial intelligence bias mitigation research.
• Publication of a whitepaper on the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines partnership’s seminar series on Long COVID. RLA Associate Rebecca Lazeration, who wrote the seminar series minutes and helped prepare the publication, was named as a co-author on the paper.
• Facilitation of virtual community conversations to gather key stakeholder input on climate change resilience needs for the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity. These conversations will inform the August 2023 summit Strengthening Partnerships for Healthy, Climate Resilient, and Thriving Communities.
• Design and implementation of a virtual grants management training curriculum for incoming NIA grants management specialists. The training featured live instruction and supporting materials provided by RLA Senior Associate Rebecca Claycamp. We look forward to exploring opportunities to leverage this content and experience in service of the broader National Institutes of Health grants management community.
• Publication in Nature Aging of an article highlighting the a2 Collective’s funding of pilot projects that leverage artificial intelligence and technology to improve the health and well-being of older adults, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers. Rose Li, principal investigator (PI) for the a2 Collective Coordinating Center, co-authored the article alongside PIs from JH AITC, MassAITC, and PennAITech, and members of RLA’s Division of Scientific Research and Analysis provided editorial support.

Toasting, hosting, and roasting: celebrating 20 years of RLA

To commemorate our 20th anniversary, RLA’s capable meeting planners turned their talents toward organizing a celebration that welcomed RLA staff, clients, and friends along with their families. On June 4, more than 100 attendees gathered at Smokey Glen Farm for a day that featured games and outdoor activities, a raffle in support of Dress for Success Washington, DC, and a bottomless barbecue buffet. In her anniversary address, RLA President and CEO Rose Li cited rich partnerships with clients and the relentless dedication of talented staff members as key to RLA’s achievements and continued growth.

Turning over a new (oak) leaf

As RLA celebrates 20 years of excellence, we’re excited to launch our refreshed website, which features an updated look, case studies highlighting some of the scientific work we’ve been proud to support in recent years, and a news hub where we’ll share updates about our projects and services. Check out our latest post to learn about our support of the first-ever federal implementation plan on sexually transmitted infections and the 2021–2022 Progress Report for the Viral Hepatitis National Strategic Plan 2021–2025, both released this month.

Alongside our website, RLA’s logo also has a new look. The oak leaf, a symbol of stability and wisdom, has represented RLA and the qualities we strive to exemplify since our founding. Our updated logo preserves the symbolism of those central values while more intentionally evoking the leaf pattern of Maryland’s state tree, the white oak. The longevity of the oak tree and the myriad contributions the versatile white oak offers to the region have special meaning as we celebrate two decades of moving science forward in service of humanity.

Opportunities to connect with RLA

RLA continues to expand our team to meet evolving client needs. See our current job openings for opportunities to join our team as a Sr. Scientific Manager, Science Writer, or Meeting Planner/Coordinator.



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