Ageing Research

AAG's R.M.Gibson Research Grants

Each year, the closing date for  RM Gibson Grants is June 30. Designed specifically to support emerging researchers in all fields of ageing, interested applicants are encouraged to learn more (see information below) and download an application form  (application guidelines are available here).

A central aim of the AAG is to encourage and support ageing research. One practical way this occurs is through the awarding of several RM Gibson Research Fund grants each year. The grants are named to honour the memory of Dr Richard (Dick) Maxwell Gibson who played a foundation role in the development of gerontology within Australia. He made a major contribution to the AAG, including serving as National President and the inaugural Chairman of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Asia Oceania Region. Dr Gibson died suddenly in early 1980 as he was preparing to host the first Asia/Oceania Regional Congress in Melbourne.

Fund raising is on-going and an important contribution to the Fund was made by the decision of the Organising Committee for the 1997 International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (1997 World Congress of Gerontology Inc) to transfer all residual funds from the Congress to the RM Gibson Scientific Research Fund on formal wind-up of the Congress.

The grants are advertised at the beginning of each year, with a closing date of June 30. Applications are assessed by a Scientific Committee and awards are made at the AAG National Conference, usually held in November.

Members of the RM Gibson Scientific Research Committee are:

• Professor Leon Flicker (Chair)
• Professor Len Gray
• Professor Jillian Kril
• Professor David Le Couteur
• Professor Mary Luszcz
• Professor Elizabeth Ozanne
  

The principles underlying awarding of the grants are:

• Generally the awards are made to encourage emerging researchers in ageing and depending on funding available for any particular round may be in the form of a grant-in-aid rather than the full amount applied for. Emerging researchers are defined as within 5 years after attainment of their most senior research qualification (e.g., PhD).
• Successful awardees are required to submit a report on the outcome of the research at the end of the award period and are supported to attend an AAG annual scientific meeting to make a presentation on their research findings. 
• The RM Gibson Scientific Research Fund makes grants on a competitive basis and applications are assessed by the committee on scientific merit and in accordance with the criteria reflected in the Rating Form. The overall objective is to encourage good research, particularly from newer researchers in the fields of ageing across all disciplines.