Our history
Fifty years of advancing ageing research in Australia.
The history of the National Ageing Research Institute is closely connected to the development of ageing research in Australia itself.
Today, NARI remains Australia's first academic centre focused on ageing research.
1976
Founded in Parkville
1994
Became NARI
Research projects
50
Years of ageing research
The founding
A dedicated institute for an emerging field.
When NARI was established in 1976, the science of ageing was still emerging as a distinct field of research. Australia's population was beginning to live longer, yet many questions about health, independence, dementia, mobility, aged care and quality of life remained poorly understood.
Recognising the need for dedicated research, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne and the Victorian Government came together to establish what was then known as the National Research Institute of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.
NARI’s founding Director, Professor Derek Melville Prinsley AM, was Australia’s first Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Melbourne. He led the Institute during its first decade and established many of the principles that continue to guide the organisation. He believed ageing research should be practical, interdisciplinary and able to deliver lasting impact.
Professor Derek Melville Prinsley AM, NARI’s founding Director.
OUR STORY
Fifty years of ageing research.
1976 · The founding
Where NARI began.
NARI opens as Australia’s first academic centre focused on ageing research.
The 1970s · A new field takes shape
Ageing research becomes a discipline.
As life expectancy rose, specialised ageing research organisations emerged around the world, and in Australia the Institute reflected a view of ageing that went beyond disease alone.
1976–1986 · The foundation years
Setting the approach.
The Institute’s first decade established the practical, interdisciplinary research principles and the partnerships across health, academia and government that still shape NARI today.
1994 · A new name
From gerontology to the National Ageing Research Institute.
The organisation became the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), reflecting the growing breadth of its work, from social participation and mental health to dementia, physical activity, falls prevention, health services, community wellbeing and aged care quality.
Today
Responding to a changing Australia.
From early studies of ageing and health to today’s work on dementia care, healthy ageing, technology, physical activity, falls prevention and health system reform, NARI continues to adapt its research to emerging needs.