SFU STAR was responsible for hosting and organizing the week-long event on behalf of CIHR IA and facilitating each day’s programming, meals and additional skill/team-building activities. SFU STAR also developed and designed the SPA 2018 Program, Program at a Glance and additional materials. Forty students (primarily PhD/Masters level) from across Canada attended SPA 2018. Thirteen mentors and seven guest speakers (academics and experts in the field of aging and technology) participated and contributed throughout the week.

During SPA 2018, trainees had the opportunity to engage in learning sessions, experiences, and activities built around the core thematic area of technology and innovation supporting the health of older adults. SPA 2018 explored fundamental topics such as research and professional skill building, grant writing, communications and knowledge translation. To further the interdisciplinary experience, trainees had access to networking and mentoring opportunities that were offered throughout the week including core mentors that were available throughout the program.    

The objectives for this event were to:

• Improve awareness of the relationship between academic research and real-world impact
• Expand understanding of technology, innovation and eHealth and the benefits for older adults
• Develop skills in user-centered design and evaluation
• Practice team-work skills in mini-projects
• Develop grant preparation, peer review, and communication skills
   

• Gain an understanding of innovation, knowledge translation, and commercialisation
• Gain an understanding of the methodologies used in  longitudinal studies such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) – a major platform on research in aging
• Gain an understanding of the studies and initiatives linked with the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) – the Canadian Component of the CIHR Dementia Research Strategy and AGE-WELL NCE - Canada’s technology and aging network
• Explore professionalism and ethical frameworks related to research in aging
• Work in multidisciplinary groups to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations
• Network with other emerging researchers and academic mentors in the field of technology and aging from across the country and abroad

The SPA 2018 participants were divided into 5 groups and spent the week learning and building towards final group presentations. The presentations were 15 minutes in length (could include ppt slides, skit, handouts, etc.) with a 10-minute Q&A. Each group was also expected to develop a 300 word lay summary due mid-week. For the judging format there were two competitions - one judged by mentors and one judged by their peers.    

View Program at a Glance (PDF)
 

View Full Program - (PDF)