LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The University of Southern California (USC) on Tuesday announced the establishment of a research institute and education center aimed at improving the health and care of aging people.

    The institute will be dedicated to the welfare of the aging, particularly those with low incomes and from multi-ethnic communities, said the USC.

    "Minority ethnic groups comprise the fastest-growing segment within the U.S. aging population and there is an increasing need for research, education and outreach to address the particular needs of these groups," said USC Provost C.L. Max Nikias. "The USC Edward R. Roybal Institute for Applied Gerontology will become a leader in this area."

    He said that the goals of innovative education, socially relevant research and community service will make this an important and productive partnership.

    Officials said that the institute was named after Edward Roybal, a 30-year member of Congress, to honor his longtime work on issues relating to public health, aging and education.

    "USC's commitment to the causes my father cared so much about and its demonstrated tradition of serving the community make the USC campus an ideal setting for the Roybal Institute," said Lucille Roybal-Allard, daughter of Edward Roybal.

    One main goal of the institute will be to establish a repository for research data that will foster the development of programs to improve services locally and nationally, according to USC officials.