The Vivensa Foundation has today released an in-depth report examining the landscape of ageing-related research funding in the UK. This analysis sheds light on the gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the field of ageing research, with the aim to provide insights for researchers, policymakers, and funders alike.
As the UK’s population continues to age, the implications for healthcare, social services, and society as a whole are becoming increasingly urgent. The report underscores the pressing need for targeted investment in research that addresses both the biological and social aspects of ageing.
The report, based on data from the 2022 UK Health Research Analysis (HRA), reveals several important findings:
- Increase in capacity-building support at the ‘translational’ and ‘applied’ research stages is needed to ensure a suitable flow of skilled researchers who can bridge the gap between fundamental scientific discoveries and practical healthcare applications.
- Address geographic disparities in research funding, especially given the growing concentration of older adults in rural, coastal, and semi-rural areas. Funding strategies should consider regions with populations that are ageing more rapidly, which are often underserved in terms of research and healthcare infrastructure.
- Focus on research into preventative measures and their effectiveness to reduce issues related to ageing-related conditions and improve quality of life for older adults.
- Address issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across all stages of the research and innovation pipeline. EDI should be central to the design of ageing-related research to ensure that an increasingly diverse population is properly and adequately represented and that access to healthcare solutions are equitable.
- Prioritise funding for underfunded health categories, such as ageing-related musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions, to ensure that these areas receive adequate funding. There is also a need to address ageing-related cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The Vivensa Foundation’s commitment to addressing health inequalities and advancing research that improves the lives of older people is at the core of its mission. The report also highlights that older adults should be represented in relevant research studies.
The Vivensa Foundation will soon make the data behind this report available to the research community to foster transparency and collaboration. The Foundation will also continue to co-convene the UK Ageing Research Funders’ Forum (UKARFF) – to find out more, visit the UKARFF website.
You can download the report and learn more about the findings here.
Other resources
Our recently launched 2025-30 Strategic Framework sets out how we will go about addressing some of the report’s findings. You can also find out more about us in the news post introducing the Vivensa Foundation.