Research in Ageing – Skills and Networking Workshops

In 2025 the MARC Research in Ageing – Skills and Networking workshop was held on 29th May and was offered again on 23rd October 2025. These sessions are aimed towards attendees from MARC partner organisations and members of the NARI Community Advisory Panel to come together to network, explore important considerations when developing a research project including older people, and discuss how to involve older people and community representatives in research. Presenters, Associate Professor Frances Batchelor and Sue Williams facilitated the sessions with a tailored program to meet the varying needs of the group. This included expanding the content on research design principles and options including quantitative, qualitative and implementation research designs. The unique aspects for conducting Research in Ageing were discussed and the attendees were introduced to the differences between older people ‘participating’ in research and being ‘involved’ in research as advisors, co-designers and co-researchers.

In the October workshop, Robyn Abrahams from the NARI Community Advisory Panel gave her perspective in being involved in ageing research. She emphasised her lifelong involvement in receiving care as a polio survivor and in being part of research. Robyn reflected on how her life and ours would have been different without research and the benefits it brings. She continues to support and be involved in research as she ages to ensure research is framed around the person for whom it is designed.

At both workshops, there were plenty of opportunities on the day for networking and developing connections.