Pathways to Advancing Aging Policy-Relevant Research in Academic Settings

Abstract

Policy-level changes have a significant influence on the health and well-being of aging populations. Yet there is often a gap between scientific knowledge and policy action. Although previous research has identified barriers and facilitators to effective knowledge translation, little attention has been given to the role of academic institutions in knowledge generation. This exploratory focus group study examines barriers and pathways to developing and maintaining an aging policy-relevant research agenda in academic settings, and additional challenges associated with minority group membership in this pursuit. Participants were personally committed to conducting policy-relevant research despite institutional barriers such as fewer funding opportunities and less value attributed to their research, particularly in the context of tenure and promotion. Although many viewed their research as an opportunity to make a difference, especially for underserved older adult populations, a number of minority group participants expressed that their policy research interests were marginalized. Participants offer individual and institutional-level strategies for addressing barriers, including collaborating with community members and colleagues and engaging mentors within and outside of their academic institutions. Reframing the valuation of policy research through the diversification of funding and publishing opportunities can better support scholars engaged in aging policy-relevant research.

KEYWORDS:

• aging policy
• higher education
• research in aging
• aging and diversity
• career advancement
• faculty evaluations
• mentoring
• focus groups

Notes

¹ The term policy research as used throughout the manuscript is intended to be inclusive of the concept “policy-relevant” research.

Additional information

Funding

Kietzman and Wallace received support from the University of California, Los Angeles, Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research Center for Health Improvement of Minority Elderly (RCMAR/CHIME) under NIH/NIA Grants P30-AG021684 and R13-AG023033; Green received support from the University of Michigan RCMAR/ Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) P30-AG015281. The content of this article does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIA or NIH.