StepUp for Ageing Research is a research participation and engagement service, a “one-stop shop” that connects individuals with researchers conducting studies into ageing and aged care. We make it easier for the brightest minds in research to connect with people willing to donate their time.
StepUp for Ageing Research is a sister program of StepUp for Dementia Research, the first systematic and inclusive service in Australia designed for the public to express their interest in participating in research and for researchers to connect with those interested in dementia research.
For researchers, recruiting participants for dementia and ageing-related studies is costly and time consuming. Delays in finding the right people can result in studies taking longer to deliver, often requiring funding extensions. Insufficient study samples limit the effectiveness and scope of research – the difficulty researchers face when it comes to recruiting participants directly impacts their capacity for robust analysis and the generalisation of findings.
StepUp for Ageing Research (and StepUp for Dementia Research) are led by Professor Yun-Hee Jeon. She developed the platforms in partnership with international and local collaborators.
Professor Jeon is the Susan and Isaac Wakil Professor of Healthy Ageing at the University of Sydney. She is recognised as a leader in healthy ageing and dementia and aged care research. Her work has helped to inform positive changes in policy development, as well as aged care and dementia care. Professor Jeon is committed to advancing consumer and community involvement in research.
The StepUp for Research logo was designed by BrandMatters, in consultation with the StepUp for Research team and a Public Involvement Panel consisting of people with lived experience. The rays represent a sun, and form the shape of Australia. The research participant is at the centre of the logo, and the rays (are the StepUp for Research stakeholders: researchers, health and care professionals, carers, loved ones and the public.
The rays also evoke ripples, which represent the knock-on effect of stepping up to participate in research, and the value it provides for other people and generations to come.
