The Older People & Ageing Research & Development Network (OPAN Cymru) is an all Wales multi-disciplinary network that aims to improve and enhance the well-being of older people through increasing research capacity in this important area. OPAN Cymru is the first national funded research network in this field. It challenges negative perceptions of ageing and plans to enhance the quality and volume of research in Wales.

Funded by the Wales Office of Research & Development, OPAN Cymru is led by Professor Judith Phillips & Dr Susan Lambert at Swansea University. Participatory research methods are led at Bangor University by Dr Vanessa Burholt. Dr Tony Bayer and Dr Sinead O’Mahony lead on clinical research at Cardiff University’s Department of Geriatric Medicine. The network is unique in that we seek to improve the coordination of research both across and within health and social care.

OPAN Cymru is improving the integration of policy, practice and research by linking research to practice and policy making. It has achieved this through research initiatives, information sharing workshops, conferences and bulletins. The network hosts an ongoing seminar series and organises major events, for example, a recent conference on Extra-Care housing. These events have built robust links with practitioners, policy makers and the voluntary sector and helped to disseminate research findings to a wide audience.

Swansea University is becoming a key place for ageing research. A Masters in Ageing Studies has been developed and will commence in 2008. The course will offer students an opportunity to explore ageing from many disciplines. It includes aspects of economics, health and social policy and is designed for those working in social work, nursing and the environment. Students can expect to gain from the experience of some of the country’s leading gerontologists who have an international track record in ageing research.