Innovative partnership to investigate ageing

01 Oct 2014

Research collaboration for more effective public policy, exchange of ideas and thought leadership

The University and Age UK have agreed an innovative partnership that represents a major step in collaborative working on ageing research. The partnership will enhance the translation of research findings into more effective public policy, the exchange of ideas and thought leadership in ageing research and practice.

The new agreement builds on a history of collaborative working on research over more than 20 years and is set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) officially launched by Professor James Goodwin, Head of Research at Age UK and Professor Chris Phillipson, Executive Director of the Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing (MICRA).

Age UK currently funds two research fellows at the University, in wound healing and in sexual health, as well as supporting other research projects across the University.

The University, acting through MICRA, and Age UK have identified significant areas where natural synergies exist. These include knowledge transfer, advice and consultancy, researcher capacity building, conferences and public events, and PR and media.

Professor Chris Phillipson, said: “This is a very exciting development. MICRA and Age UK have a shared interest in expanding research focused on older people and ensuring this has a direct impact on improving the quality of life in old age.”

Professor James Goodwin added: “This agreement is a fantastic opportunity to really make research work for older people. With the UK’s rapidly ageing population, it is more important than ever that we understand how to address the needs of our changing society and turn that into action whether it be around isolation and loneliness, health and well-being or financial security.

“Age UK and the University have a long track record of working together and we welcome this new collaboration particularly as the university recently declared ageing to be one of its research priorities.

“This agreement is also great news for the 22 local Age UK’s in the North-West which will be able to use the university’s new research about ageing and older people to deliver better services to the community.”

The MoU was signed by Dr Andrew Walsh, Director of Research and Business Engagement at the University of Manchester, Professor Chris Orme, Head of the School of Social Sciences, Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director, Age UK, and Professor James Goodwin.