Message from the Chair of MIRA's International Scientific Advisory Committee

Dr. David B. Hogan Professor and Academic Lead, Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging, University of Calgary Chair, International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) of MIRA

On behalf of MIRA’s International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC), I am very pleased to report on MIRA’s ongoing success in applying innovative approaches to advance interdisciplinary aging research and educational programs at McMaster University. MIRA has been able to support and expand its researcher and trainee network while developing novel research projects in aging during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

MIRA is unique in how it supports and stimulates interdisciplinary collaborations, incorporating co-design approaches to aging research. This was clearly demonstrated in the first two major programs of research MIRA sponsored. Now in their second year, both have skillfully adapted their protocols to the COVID-19 challenge. MIRA is supporting the development of an additional program of research titled The Intergenerational and Life Course Cohort and Intervention Research Platform. In this, researchers will longitudinally track an intergenerational cohort in Hamilton. This will allow interdisciplinary teams to investigate interrelationships among the biological, physical, social, lifestyle and behavioural domains that influence health across the life course and between generations. MIRA is also working with an emerging interdisciplinary team to develop Complex Interventions for Frailty and Aging Well, a second novel proposed major research initiative.

The ISAC supports MIRA’s leadership in their ambitious efforts to develop a citizen-based research infrastructure in Canada utilizing the VOICE digital platform through an international collaboration with Newcastle University and the National Innovation Centre for Ageing in the United Kingdom. It is anticipated that VOICE will empower the public in shaping health and social care research and driving innovation for an aging population, which aligns with MIRA’s philosophy of engaging end users at all stages of research.

MIRA’s approaches to aging research, which address a number of the most pressing aging-related questions facing older adults, their families and social networks, health professionals and policy makers have the ISAC’s continued support. We enthusiastically look forward to our ongoing involvement with the leadership, faculty, trainees and staff of MIRA.