TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2018 /CNW/ - The AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE) is a pan-Canadian network that is actively creating unique technologies and services that make life better for older people and their caregivers.
Today, on National Seniors Day, AGE-WELL is announcing a major new funding opportunity designed to identify the next wave of technology-based solutions that will support healthy aging and address real-life challenges. AGE-WELL has earmarked over $16-million for this program.
"We are inviting Canadian researchers to submit proposals for innovative research that will have real-world benefits for older adults and caregivers. Our new Core Research Program 2020-2025 will build on the strong foundation that AGE-WELL has created and shape the future of technology and aging research in Canada," said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, AGE-WELL's Scientific Co-Director and CEO.
Established in 2015, AGE-WELL has quickly emerged as a leader in harnessing technologies to help older Canadians maintain their independence, health and quality of life. The Network includes more than 200 researchers from 40 universities and research centres across Canada, and over 250 industry, government and non-profit partners who share AGE-WELL's vision that Canada's leadership in technology and aging benefits the world.
AGE-WELL researchers are generating technologies, services, policies and practices that increase safety and security, support independent living and enhance social participation. Their innovations include smart-home sensors, health monitoring systems, remote therapies and assistive robots. Twelve AGE-WELL-supported startups are commercializing or selling products. AGE-WELL is also training the next generation of innovators.
With today's announcement, researchers based at Canadian institutions and working in the field of technology and aging are eligible to apply for funding through AGE-WELL's Core Research Program 2020-2025. For details and application guidelines, please see the Request for Proposals (RFP).
AGE-WELL will also collaborate with Network partners, including Mitacs and MEDTEQ, to provide additional funding as part of the RFP issued today. Additional partners and collaborators may join this funding initiative over the coming months.
Said Dr. Mihailidis: "This is a major research initiative that will help Canada respond to the needs of an aging population, generate social and economic benefits, and take pressure off the health-care system and long-term care."
In keeping with AGE-WELL's firm focus on outcomes, new research projects must have the potential for real-world impact through the development of technology-based solutions that will support older adults and caregivers in their daily lives. These solutions must be grounded in real-life challenges that Canadians face.
"A challenge, as we define it, is an important but difficult and complex problem area that demands innovation and real-world solutions," said Dr. Mihailidis. "It is not just about problems. It may be about social and economic opportunities and making a positive contribution to Canadian society, government policy and the economy."
Through in-depth public consultations, AGE-WELL has identified eight "Challenge Areas" around which the new Core Research Program is built: supportive homes & communities; health care & health service delivery; autonomy & independence; cognitive health & dementia; mobility & transportation; healthy lifestyles & wellness; staying connected; and financial wellness & employment.
As AGE-WELL completes its first five-year mandate (2015-2020), the development of the new Core Research Program is a key aspect of planning for the next iteration of AGE-WELL, specifically from 2020-2025. Successful new core research projects will be included as part of AGE-WELL's renewal application for funding through 2020-2025.
If renewed, AGE-WELL will provide more than $16-million, in total, for new core research projects over a five-year period. Successful applications will also receive a one-year Catalyst grant, starting April 1, 2019, so that these selected projects can continue to develop their plans.
Quick Facts:
* Common to all AGE-WELL research, successful projects will be joint actions by researchers and partner organizations (e.g., industry, government or community organizations).
* Research teams will produce not only the technology, but also key deliverables related to practice, policy and service delivery models needed for the solution to be effective.
* Projects will be user-centred and take a transdisciplinary approach. They will have a potential for economic and social impact. Driven by real-world problems and challenge areas, they will also address specific areas of interest to AGE-WELL and its partners and stakeholders.
About AGE-WELL:
AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (http://www.agewell-nce.ca/, @AGEWELL_NCE) is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians. AGE-WELL researchers are producing technologies, services and policies/practices to improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL was launched in 2015 through the federally-funded Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program.
SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)
Margaret Polanyi, Senior Communications Manager, AGE-WELL: [email protected] 416-597-3422, ext. 7710
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