This year’s annual ERA conference will be held on the 14th and 15th May in Cardiff. As this year is the 10 th anniversary of the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales, this offers a particularly timely and exciting opportunity for emerging researchers and scholars to learn how ageing research has influenced policy. Wales is at the forefront of policy developments and initiatives relating to older people. Over the last ten years ageing research has contributed directly to the development of the Strategy for Older People in Wales and the subsequent appointment of an Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. A range of high profile keynote speakers will address the conference including the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and the Deputy Minister for Social Services.

Our conference will also focus upon one of our primary aims, which is to offer a supportive and constructive environment within which delegates may present and discuss their work. This year all abstracts will be peer-reviewed and presenters will have the opportunity to submit their paper to Generations Review for publication. Delegates will also be encouraged to develop networks with other emerging researchers and scholars and a workshop focussing upon networking in research at national and international levels will be part of the programme.

As Chair-Elect of BSG-ERA and, on behalf of the conference organising committee, I would like to encourage your participation in what is sure to be an interesting and exciting conference. By supporting this ERA conference, we are not only investing in our own careers as emerging researchers but also in the promotion and development of research in ageing.

The deadline for abstracts was 31st March and the deadline for registration is the 30th April.

For further information, please email Christian Beech, Chair-Elect BSG ERA on C.L.Beech@swansea.ac.uk or visit the BSG website www.britishgerontology.org and click on BSG-ERA for registration and booking forms.