Capacity building and ageing researchers Professor Helen Bartlett Australasian Centre on Ageing University of Queensland 25 September 2003 National Symposium on Ageing Research

Does the current model of research training work?

Some current limitations  Isolation  Little contact with other researchers in ageing  Supervisors in primary discipline lacking expertise in ageing  Student’s level of foundation knowledge about ageing limited  Potential impact of PhD on policy or practice not maximised  No clear career track

Is there a future in ageing research post- PhD?

Knowledge of career/employment opportunities

Future directions – students’ perceptions  “up in the air – not sure”  “That’s the big question! Something more practical than research; something to do with community-wide promotion of PA programs”  “Pipedreams - interested in working in a wellness centre”  “I am a retired person and see myself engaged in some community and possibly academic work concerning older people”  “To channel some of the knowledge back into educational services”

What are the perceived opportunities and directions?  Research and teaching are most commonly perceived career options  Not aware of clear career track  Information about opportunities lacking  Some potential in industry/government identified  Desire a future in ageing, but not sure how to make it happen  Enthusiasm and wanting to make a difference

What can we do now?  Introduce mentoring schemes  Develop skills in collaboration  Broaden the research apprenticeship  Improve links with industry and government  Focus PhDs in priority areas  Increase access to information  Create structures for emerging researchers  Start promoting ageing research earlier  Find out more about the current cohort

What works?  Centres – university wide  Multidisciplinary seminar groups with input from government/community  Assistance with recruitment – the 50+ Registry  Casual RA pool  Conferences for emerging researchers – ERA 2002, ERA 2003 Brisbane, 21 November