Some 200 delegates from around the world converged on Keele this week to celebrate 20 years of the University's Centre for Social Gerontology, which has developed an international reputation in the scientific study of old age since it was founded in 1987, and to attend the inaugural lecture of its newest Professor, Tom Scharf.

Following a welcome from the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Janet Finch, delegates heard Professor Miriam Bernard give an informative account of the Centre's historical development and contribution to research and education over the last 20 years. Professor Chris Phillipson then spoke on 'The Contribution of Critical Gerontology to Understanding Later Life' from a national and international perspective.

A celebratory cake was cut by Professor Peter Crome and, later, delegates heard from a distinguished panel of invited speakers comprising Sheila Peace (Professor of Social Gerontology and Associate Dean, the Open University), Paul Cann (Director of Policy and International Affairs, Help the Aged) and Alan Hatton-Yeo (Director of the Beth Johnson Foundation).

An exhibition in the gallery and foyer of the Chancellor's Building included specially designed posters of members' major publications and photographs of key events over the last 20 years, as well as posters of recent and current research being undertaken by staff and doctoral students.

During an early evening wine reception, Policy Press launched a new book edited by professors Bernard and Scharf.  Entitled "Critical Perspectives on Ageing Societies", the book is the first in the new series on 'Ageing and the Lifecourse'. 

The day concluded with an exemplary and extremely well received inaugural lecture from Professor Tom Scharf on 'The Extremes of Age: challenging poverty, promoting inclusion' (pdf file 130KB). The day's events were all recorded and the presentations from speakers will shortly be available on the Centre's website: http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/so/csg/index.htm

Report appeared in The Week@Keele 18 May 2007