UK Ageing Network

An interdisciplinary ageing research community

Bringing together researchers and stakeholders from different disciplines to better understand the biological mechanisms of ageing and their impact on human health, and to promote development of approaches to improve health across the life course and reduce health inequalities which impact on healthy ageing.

05/09/2023

9:00-18:00

Portland Hall, University of Westminster, London

UK Ageing Network

UKAN

ATTAIN is one of the networks drawn together by UKAN out of 11 other UK-wide ageing research networks to facilitate knowledge exchange, forge new collaborative links and enable novel research across all academic disciplines, with the aim of improving health and wellbeing for older adults.

At the UKAN Meeting, ATTAIN discussed the aims, achievements and future plans for the network:

UKAN Speaker

Aim: Our overarching aim is to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations both within the UK and on a global scale, emphasizing exploratory mechanistic and intervention approaches, community engagement, and the implementation of policies into practices.

Achievements:

Significant expansion of network outreach, marked by increased engagement on social media, our website, newsletters, and the involvement of an external advisory group.
We have successfully cultivated an interdisciplinary member base spanning 12 countries across three continents.
Our workshop events have facilitated knowledge exchange collaborations and established connections with diverse community and third-sector organizations.
Notably, our pump-priming awards have granted £10k funding for three projects, focusing on exploring mechanisms of physical activity benefit, barriers, and innovative interventions in varied and underserved UK communities. We received a commendable response with seven applications involving nine universities and thirteen early career researchers as co- or lead-applicants.
Our commitment to global outreach is exemplified by our BIRMAC initiative, fostering a growing relationship with the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging

Future plans:

Consolidate network outcomes
Forge partnerships with community stakeholders and other UKRI networks
Build on engagement fellowships and pump-priming funded projects through sandpit events
Develop key transformational solutions via co-production
Launch Early Career Researchers Webinar Series
Expand international partnerships
Prioritize key solutions for targeted impact
Invest follow-on funding in developmental work