Who We Are
The Institute of Aging is one of the 13 virtual institutes that make up the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).Our Mandate
CIHR established the Institute of Aging “to support research, to promote healthy aging and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging.” Unlike many other CIHR Institutes, which are focused on particular diseases, the Institute of Aging’s mandate is the aging person in an aging society, and the effects of different diseases and conditions on aging. Its goal is to improve the quality of life and health of older Canadians by understanding and addressing or preventing the consequences of a wide range of factors associated with aging.
Our Mission
The fundamental goal of the Institute of Aging (IA) is the advancement of knowledge in the field of aging to improve the quality of life and the health of older Canadians.
Our Vision
The Institute of Aging will champion health research on aging in Canada, and create innovative opportunities for research and researchers. All researchers working in the field of aging will want to be affiliated with the Institute. Policy makers will look to the Institute for information and advice, and use the knowledge we generate to develop more effective policies and services. Our work will enhance the health and lives of older Canadians.
Our Values
The Institute of Aging will use the following values to guide its work:
- Excellence. All activities funded by the Institute will be high quality, and meet or exceed international standards of excellence in research.
- Population needs based. The Institute’s priorities will be based on the health needs of older Canadians.
- Risk taking, creativity, innovation. Creating new knowledge that will change health and health services will require innovation and risk taking. The Institute of Aging will provide opportunities for researchers to take risks and pursue creative new ideas.
- Integration, partnerships. The Institute for Aging will pursue partnerships that cross disciplines, sectors and regions of the country, and lead to new knowledge.
- Transparency, accountability. The Institute of Aging will communicate openly with all stakeholders and clients. All its decision-making processes will be transparent and accountable.
Our Community
Our community is made up of researchers, scientists, students, community groups, policy makers and individuals from Canada and around the world that share an interest in the field of research on aging.
Our Staff and Advisory Board
The Institute is managed by a small, professional staff, under the direction of a highly respected Scientific Director. A multidisciplinary Institute Advisory Board (IAB) provides essential community input and guidance into everything we do.