Appointment of Dr. Todd Manini as Interim Director of the UF Institute on Aging

David Norton, Vice President for Research

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Todd Manini, Ph.D. as Interim Director of the University of Florida’s Institute on Aging (IOA), effective August 1, 2025

Dr. Manini is a Professor and Division Chief of Clinical and Population Health Integration in the Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics in the College of Medicine. He began his academic career at UF and has advanced steadily over the past 20 years, contributing extensively to both the research and educational missions of the university. His scholarly work focuses on the etiology and treatment of mobility loss in older adults, and he is internationally recognized in the field—ranking in the top scientists worldwide in Geriatrics and Gerontology.

Dr. Manini currently leads the UF Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC), a prestigious NIH/NIA-funded center of excellence within a national network devoted to preserving physical function and independence in late life. Under his oversight, the OAIC provides financial support and research mentoring for faculty across the entire campus, exemplifying his strength in fostering cross-college collaborations. This experience positions him uniquely to lead the IOA as it evolves into a university-wide collaboratory for aging science.

His commitment to academic excellence is equally evident in his role as an educator and mentor. He directs the NIH/NIA-sponsored T32 Translational Research on Aging and Mobility Program, which provides interdisciplinary training for future leaders in aging research. In addition, Dr. Manini mentors medical students, graduate trainees, and early-career faculty, and has been recognized as an Exemplary Teacher. 

As Interim Director, Dr. Manini will guide the IOA in catalyzing interdisciplinary aging research and education, expanding collaborative networks, and enhancing UF’s impact on healthy aging across the lifespan.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Manini on this important leadership role and in supporting him as he leads the IOA into its next chapter of innovation and impact.