C4AR has over 100 members from across the university with interdisciplinary involvement from every faculty, with its administrative ndinbase within the Faculty of Health and Medicine. The C4AR strategy is aligned to the University vision and goals as a whole, as well as to the Faculty of Health and Medicine (FHM) and the Health Innovation Campus strategic goals. The strategic commitment to age-related research is illustrated by the employment of a Chair in Ageing, Senior Lecturer in Ageing, Lecturer in Ageing and part-time Administrator, in addition to the support for health-related research across disciplines and faculties. C4AR has a wealth of National and International links, with specific partnerships with McMaster University in Canada and with Sunway University in Malaysia, in addition to the links of specific researchers. Our memoranda of understanding with partners provide exchange opportunities for our researchers at all levels.
The C4AR priorities and actions are as follows:
1. To develop the quality and volume of research on ageing, with a broad view that includes lifespan issues.
2) Develop and support the critical mass of people working in ageing at Lancaster, including early career development
3) Develop and support the role of older adults and stakeholders such as health and social care professionals in research.
4) Continue to Develop Blended Learning PhDs and Masters opportunities in Ageing and Dementia
The Centre for Ageing Research promotes a positive research culture in a number of ways:
An active and international seminar programme.
A monthly student forum.
Continuing Learning Group and C4AR panel Both these groups of older adults provide support for our researchers ranging from volunteering as participants in studies to providing advice from an older person’s point of view at the outset of research plans or at dissemination stages, and other forms of public involvement.
Equality and Diversity The Centre for Ageing Research promotes an inclusive culture with strict adherence to the University’s zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment or bullying. C4AR has its administrative base in the Faculty of Health and Medicine which has a Silver Athena Swan award illustrating its ongoing commitment to gender equality in science.
Training: C4AR is linked to part-time distance learning MScs and PhDs in Ageing; Dementia Studies; Palliative care and a range of full time traditional PhD students from across the university are also included in our student forum Dissemination opportunities: C4AR organises an annual “Town and Gown” event showcasing Lancaster University based research in ageing, aimed at lay older adults, health and social care professionals, carers, local government, business and 3rd Sector organisations. All linked PhD and MSc students are invited to enter a poster for the poster event and competition, whether or not their research is relevant to the them