The Centre for Ageing Research and Development in Ireland is increasing the grants for research on ageing issues in Ireland. It is offering up to €100,000 for research projects that will improve the lives of older people.

“CARDI already funds 14 cross-border projects that are designed to improve policies and services for our older generation. These cover important issues such as rural transport, dementia, elder abuse, fuel poverty and the impact of the recession on pensioners,” said Professor Bob Stout, co-chair of CARDI.

“We now want to do more and in Call 3 we are inviting bids for larger-scale research projects. We expect to spend around €300,000 this time round.”

CARDI is also offering support to academics, voluntary sector organisations and others who may wish to apply. In stage one of the application process they only need to send in a two-page form; in return they will receive feedback from CARDI on how to strengthen their proposal to meet the criteria.

“We are confident that our increased funding and support will lead to a high level of interest in the grants programme. The findings should bring benefits to the daily lives of older people and ensure that both parts of Ireland are geared up to meet the needs of a rapidly ageing society,” Professor Stout added.

Call 3 of the CARDI Ageing Research Grants Programme opens today, Wednesday 3 March. Anybody seeking funding must submit the two-page summary (the PAR8 form) by noon on Wednesday 7 April 2010. The deadline for full submissions is noon on Monday 24 May 2010.

Applicants need to give specific evidence that their proposal will meet a priority need in ageing research.

The full terms of reference, invitation to submit a proposal and the PAR8 form are available at www.cardi.ie/grantprogramme. The full application form will be emailed to people, who submit the PAR8 form.

Details of the 14 projects already funded by CARDI are on our website: www.cardi.ie  Click the funding button at the top of the home page.