Aims & Focus: Older Researchers in Ageing SIG:
Whilst older researchers may be new to academic research, they have life experience and experience in other fields and ventures. Additionally, there are challenges in being in older people’s research: there are few role models, mentoring is challenging as older researchers may be older than their mentors and have broader experience inside and outside of traditional academic ventures. Yet older researchers have all the questions and vulnerabilities of younger people just entering the field of academic research.
The mission of the Older Researchers in Ageing is to support older people interested in ageing research, supporting them in the following endeavours:
- To provide peer support to other older researchers in ageing, e.g. to provide a safe place for asking for support or seeking answers to ‘stupid’ questions (please note, this was mentioned at the first meeting.
- To celebrate and apply learning from previous work and life experience to research in ageing.
- To gain recognition for Older People’s Research: Advocate for the recognition of the value that older researchers bring to the field, both within and outside academia, due to their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- To organise career development events, e.g. holding publication workshops and providing a forum for collaboration on research projects, grant applications and any other research activities.
- To create an identifiable group of individuals available to participate in research activities seeking the views of older adults.
- To work with other organisations to promote opportunities within and beyond academia.
Join the Movement in Older People’s Research
Whether you’re an experienced academic or new to the world of research, the Older Researchers in Ageing SIG offers a unique platform for contributing to older people’s research. By joining this group, you can play a crucial role in shaping the future of ageing research, drawing on the rich experiences that only older researchers can provide.
Steering Committee Members:
Chair: Heather Mulkey (H.L.Mulkey@soton.ac.uk)
Deputy Chair: Miranda Quinney (mirandaquinney@yahoo.co.uk)
Secretary: Frances Sanders (BSGOlderResearchersSIG@britishgerontology.org)
Treasurer: Carol Maddock (c.a.maddock@swansea.ac.uk)
Project Co-ordinator: Lucy Szablewska (BSGOlderResearchersSIG@britishgerontology.org)
Ad hoc Members: Open to anyone interested in furthering the goals of the SIG through participation on the steering committee and/or helping to organise networking opportunities and workshops, for sharing and/or coordinating training opportunities, and/or knowledge exchange in promoting opportunities within and beyond academia.
Joining the SIG:
Drop-in Sessions monthly the last Friday of the month from 12-1pm. Join us.
If you’re interested in any of our activities or you would like to work with older researchers, please contact BSGOlderResearchersSIG@britishgerontology.org.
Opportunities:
We are looking for help in publicising the Older Researchers in Ageing SIG more broadly, internationally, within and outside of the BSG, and among academics and another other people interested in participating in research on ageing. Please contact any of the Steering Committee members if you are willing to help.
Future Events:
Monthly drop-ins: for peer support, asking questions, or just talking about whatever is on your mind. We will be meeting via Zoom the last Friday of every month from 12-1pm. If you would like to join us, please email Frances at BSGOlderResearchersSIG@britishgerontology.org.
Future events on:
- Building relationships for research partners and patrons supporting independent researchers
- Applying for grants and fellowships
- Employing research outside of academia
- Supporting research on older researchers