Summer Program in Aging (SPA) 2013

Aim/Objectives

The CIHR - Institute of Aging annual Summer Program in Aging (SPA) is designed to offer graduate students and post-doctoral fellows involved in research relevant to aging, and those doing post-graduate clinical training that includes a program of research in aging, an advanced research training program that crosses disciplines, sectors, institutions and geography.

The hosts for SPA 2013 have identified "Big Science in Research on Aging" as the key theme. Examples of big science include, among others, longitudinal studies such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). The elements that will be explored are related to the challenges of big science, how to analyze data, big collaborative groups, funding for big science projects, etc.

Participants will have an opportunity to:

  1. Gain an understanding of processes critical to academic success, through plenary and practical sessions;
  2. Examine multidisciplinary research collaboration in the context of "Big Science in Research in Aging";
  3. Learn skills in grant preparation; peer review, communication and knowledge transfer in the context of aging research;
  4. Explore professionalism and ethics in the context of research on aging;
  5. Network with other emerging researchers in aging and with academic mentors from across the country and abroad.

Eligibility

Applicants to SPA 2013 must:

  • be enrolled full time in a Master's program, full or part time in a PhD program or hold a postdoctoral fellowship at a Canadian University; or be doing post-graduate clinical training that includes a program of research;
  • be Canadian citizens or have landed immigrant status (a few positions may be open to trainees at Canadian institutions who do not meet either criteria);
  • have research interests, a thesis subject or a post-doctoral project in the field of aging, or with an aging component; and
  • not have attended any of the previous Summer Programs in Aging funded by CIHR Institute of Aging. The curricula of CIHR-sponsored summer institutes vary. If you have previously attended such a program, please contact us with program information so we can determine your eligibility for SPA.

Past Summer Programs in Aging

SPA, inaugurated in 2006, rotates annually among five regions in Canada: Quebec, British Columbia, Ontario, Atlantic Canada, Prairies. The Institute of Aging collaborates with a local partner (Host institution) to plan and execute the program.

  • SPA 2006: Jouvence (Quebec), June 5-8. In collaboration with FormSAV Réseau de formation interdisciplinaire en recherche sur la santé et le vieillissement);
  • SPA 2007: Harrison Hot Springs (British Columbia), June 4-7. In collaboration with BCNAR (British Columbia Network on Aging Research);
  • SPA 2008: Honey Harbour (Ontario), June 2-5. In collaboration with CIHR-IA STIHR (Strategic Research Training Program in Communications and Social Interactions in Healthy Aging);
  • SPA 2009: White Point (Nova Scotia), June 8-11. In collaboration with the Nova Scotia Centre on Aging;
  • SPA 2010: Jasper (Alberta) June 14-17.In collaboration with the Alberta Centre on Aging;
  • SPA 2011: Bromont (Quebec) May 29 -June 2 in partnership with the Quebec Network for Research on Aging;
  • SPA 2012: Parksville (British Columbia) May 6 to 11 in partnership with the Simon Fraser University - Gerontology Research Centre.

SPA 2013

Click here for a detailed description and the Call for Applications for the 2013 Summer Program in Aging (SPA 2013) that will take place in partnership with the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest from May 5th to the 10th 2013 at the University of Toronto's Hart House located in downtown Toronto, Ontario.

The Rotman Research Institute (RRI) is a premier international centre for the study of human brain function. The primary research focus is on memory and executive (frontal lobe) functions of the brain, both in normal aging and in the presence of diseases and conditions, which affect the brain, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. World-renowned scientists at the RRI promote effective care and improved quality of life of the elderly through research into behavioural changes associated with the aging process.