Research Development
Emerging Researchers Initiative

Introduction

The stated aim of the Network is “ to increase the scale, focus, and capacity of Australian research to inform national efforts to respond constructively to an ageing society”. One of the fundamental ways of achieving this is to nurture and support early-stage researchers and students.

With regard to early-stage researchers, this support will be demonstrated by their inclusion in working parties and proposal development, and by the opportunity to work closely with more experienced researchers from various disciplinary backgrounds. It will also be enhanced by their exposure to policy makers and practitioners that they would not normally interact with.

Future activities

The Network is promoting a number of initiatives to support emerging researchers. A national survey of emerging researchers in ageing (NERAS) is underway and researchers undertaking or recently having completed their PhDs in ageing are encouraged to contact the project team so they can be included in the survey (email the project team). The findings will increase our understanding of emerging researchers’ needs and expectations and help inform strategies for capacity building.

The 5th National Emerging Researchers in Ageing Conference (ERA 2006) will be held at the Sydney Convention Centre, Darling Harbour on the 21st November. The theme this year is “Research informing positive outcomes in older persons”. ERA 2006 is an opportunity for PhD students to showcase their work to an audience including the public, academics, providers, practitioners and policy makers. The closing date for abstracts is 30th July. Details about the ERA 2006 conference are available here. Information about past ERA Conferences is available here.

The Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) is holding its 39th National Conference at the Wesley Centre, Sydney on November 22-24, immediately after the ERA Conference. The Conference expects to attract over 400 participants with the program focusing on the conference theme: Diversity in Ageing. Delegates from all major cities in Australia, nearby overseas countries as well as rural and remote location having a variety of aged care backgrounds are likely to attend. The Student Section of the AAG will meet during the conference. Full details about the AAG National Conference are available here.

The Network is intending to pursue a range of programs aimed at early-stage researchers. These will include mentoring programs, master classes on grant writing, and workshops on methodological approaches and issues. The Network will also attempt to facilitate communication and visits by early-stage researchers with its international collaborators. Details of programs will be available on the website whenever they are being organised.