In an attempt to inspire breakthrough innovations that would help to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing of ageing populations, researchers from across the UK are invited to apply for a new, international fund.
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According to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates, by 2050 persons over 60 will account for 35% of the population in Europe (United Nations 2017). The Healthy Longevity Global Grand Challengewas established by the US National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and is funded in the UK under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Healthy Ageing Challenge Fund. Through new ideas, policies and priorities it aspires to change the health and wellbeing of ageing people across the world for the better.
“One in four people in the UK will be
over 65 by 2037,” says George MacGinnis,
Challenge Director of the ISCF Healthy Ageing Challenge, “which presents
a challenge to health services – but is also an opportunity for businesses and
researchers, who can help people to stay active, productive and strong for as
long as possible as they age.”
Science Minister Chris Skidmore sends a similar message. Pointing out
thatover 10 million people in the UK today can expect to see their 100th birthday,
he underscores that their ability to “live independently, with dignity and with
a high quality of life for longer” must be ensured.
The first round of
the catalyst phase of the challenge2020, which is open from 6 January to 16.00
(GMT) 13 February 2020, will see up to 20 awards funded by UKRI. Over the next three years
the organisation is planning to invest over £3m in 60 catalyst awards.
Researchers are
invited to submit outline proposals for the first round, and successful applicants
will also be able to participate in the later stages of the NAM Healthy
Longevity Global Grand Challenge competition. This includes accelerator awards
of up to $0.5m and the $5m Grand Prize.
Nicola Blackwood, Minister for Innovation, finds Britain’s world-leading
researchers and reputation for innovation “fundamental” to finding new ways to
keep people active, well-supported and living independently for as long as
possible. “Today we are calling on our brightest and best to collaborate with
other leading minds across the world to generate new ways to help our ageing
society flourish,” she says.
Applicants must be
working for a UK research organisation and proposals may be for up to £62,500
at full economic costs.
Applications are anonymous
and expected to align with the priority areas of the ISCF Healthy Ageing
Challenge. These are:
- Sustaining physical activity
- Maintaining health at work
- Design for age-friendly homes
- Creating healthy active places
- Supporting social connections
- Living well with cognitive impairment
- Managing common complaints of ageing.
For further
information about UKRI’s involvement in this collaboration click here. To apply for a catalyst award, click here.
Source:
Innovate UK
