Making connections
The 11 new networks aim to provide researchers with strong interdisciplinary platforms to integrate expertise and knowledge across disciplines.
This is to deliver a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of ageing and how to increase healthy lifespan and quality of life in old age.
Coordinated at a macro-level by Professors Lynne Cox and Richard Faragher, the networks will significantly increase collaboration with key stakeholders. They aim to translate findings into future policy, public health and new therapies by working alongside:
the public
industry partners
charities
policymakers
healthcare practitioners.
Putting research findings into practice
Professor Cox said: Major scientific advances over the past decade have shown that different age-related diseases stem from core biological processes that can be modified to improve health in later life.This is an incredibly exciting time to be working in ageing science, particularly as it may be possible not only to treat age-related diseases at cause, but also to take a preventative approach.The interdisciplinary nature of the new ageing networks allows us to draw in expertise from across all academic disciplines and work with clinicians, biotech, industry and policy makers to put research findings into practice.
Transforming health in later years
Professor Faragher added: We are at the cusp of scientific developments that will transform health in later years. By being able to keep millions of older people healthy and out of hospital, we can hugely reduce costs and pressures on the NHS and GPs. Be in no doubt. A race is now on, and the countries and companies that can capitalise on the biology of ageing will dominate 21st century healthcare.
Addressing a major societal challenge
Professor Melanie Welham, Executive Chair of BBSRC, said:At the heart of improved health and wellbeing is a deep, integrated understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to maintaining health across the full life course. An understanding that is underpinned by collaboration, partnerships and shared knowledge.
By funding the Ageing Networks, we’re not only addressing a major societal challenge, we’re also stimulating multidisciplinary research and innovation, with the potential for some really exciting breakthroughs.
Building UK-wide collaborations
Professor John Iredale, interim Executive Chair of MRC, said: How to keep people healthier as they live longer is one of the biggest challenges facing 21st century medicine and our society.
To make greater progress we need to transform how we conduct ageing research, both by bringing together scientists from many disciplines with the public, clinicians, policymakers and industry.
The new networks we’re funding will build UK-wide collaborations to better understand the fundamentals of ageing, paving the way towards the development of novel interventions to prevent, halt or reverse aberrant ageing.