Trent University Researcher Receives Over $477,000 in CIHR Funding to Study Social Inclusion of People with Dementia
Major funding from Canadian Institutes of Health Research will fund a collaborative research program based at Trent University
Dr. Mark Skinner, Canada research chair in rural health, aging and social care and director of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society, has been awarded $477,178 over four years from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Canada to study innovative ways of improving social inclusion of Canadians living with dementia. Ranked first in the national funding competition, Prof. Skinner’s project was commended by CIHR for its emphasis on older people and their caregivers in rural areas.
“This project has the potential to change the way we help people living with dementia participate in their communities, especially in rural areas where isolation is so prevalent,” explains Professor Skinner. “It is important that we are also focusing on caregivers who support individuals living with dementia, many of whom are spouses and family members, because their social wellbeing is also tremendously important.”
The project’s co-principal investigator is Trent University alumna Dr. Rachel Herron ‘04, who is now an assistant professor at Brandon University, one of the participating institutions in the study.
“Dr. Skinner’s substantial grant, and its top ranking in the competition, is yet another example of the research excellence being fostered at Trent University,” said Dr. Neil Emery, vice-president Research and Innovation at Trent. “Through the innovative work being done by members of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society, Trent is becoming known for leading-edge aging research, which bodes well for attracting students interested in studying with the best in their field.”
More information about the specifics of Prof. Skinner’s CIHR project will be made available in the coming months.
About the Trent Centre for Aging & Society
Attracting leading university scholars from across Trent’s humanities, social sciences and professional programs since 2013, the Trent Centre for Aging & Society (TCAS) draws together an interdisciplinary team of more than thirty faculty, students and community stakeholders to do what no other Centre can do; build meaningful dialogue on aging that takes into account the diversity of experiences of older people to debunk the myths about aging, old age and older people.
Home to two Canada Research Chairs and faculty and students from Canadian Studies, English Literature, Gender and Women’s Studies, Geography, Kinesiology, Nursing, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology and Sustainability Studies, as well as partners from the municipal, health care and community sectors, TCAS is a catalyst for collaborative aging studies from a diversity of perspectives.
As a team, TCAS promotes innovative research, education, and community engagement on aging and old age that is critically-informed, challenges ageist policies and practices, and is responsive to the issues facing older people and aging communities.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham-GTA delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca
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