Research Into Ageing Wins Award For Excellence

Research into Ageing, which is the highly successful biomedical programme of Help the Aged, has been awarded for its excellence in writing clear and accessible publications that increase public support for vital biomedical research.

Its work has generated £1.7 million each year for breakthrough biomedical research and also increased public awareness of conditions like incontinence and falls that too often go unsupported or misunderstood. 

It aims to reach more public in future as part of its Research into Ageing Appeal, announced at the end of 2006, which has the goal of increasing public donations so that it can fund £5 million of excellent research projects each year within five years time.  This research brings better health to older people and helps to forge a future where loss of independence and disability are no longer commonplace.

The Science Communication Awards took place on 15 March and were run by The Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC).  Research into Ageing won the “Research Report For Non-Expert Audiences” Award.

Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said: “I am very pleased that DTI was able to sponsor this award which recognises the importance of making scientific research accessible to a non-expert audience.  Medical research charities like Research into Ageing can and should be important catalysts promoting national discussion around a whole range of issues in biomedicine.  They are highly valued by Government as partners in helping to inform and encourage public dialogue and debate.”

The event judges said:  “We were impressed by the breadth and acceptability of Research Into Ageing’s ‘Age of Discovery’ report.  Anyone, whether scientist or member of the public, will gain an enormous insight into the latest developments in research in the field and also the prospects for the future by reading this report.  It is clear and well-designed and we found it particularly helpful to hear from scientists involved.”

Dr Lorna Layward, Research Manager of Research into Ageing, said:  “There are so many health conditions associated with ageing that people do not understand – conditions that affect millions of people and yet do not receive enough donations or support.  Reaching out to the public with good clear information, not just a heartfelt request for support, is so essential to ensuring their long term support.”

Help the Aged is the only UK charity researching the full spectrum of health conditions affecting older people, as well as ageing itself.  Now in its 31st year, Research into Ageing has funded numerous breakthroughs including:

• Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell’s (of the University of Manchester) discovery in 2005 of the ‘brain killer’ molecule IL-1 that is released in stroke and a way to block it
• Dr Dawn Skelton’s (of the University of Manchester) development of exercise programmes to prevent falls which were implemented by the Department of Health
• Professor Rose Anne Kenny’s (of the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Upon Tyne) discovery in 2001 that a heart condition called carotid sinus syndrome causes many falls and can be treated to prevent even potentially life-threatening falls in many case