Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Canada’s Unity Health Toronto to enhance translation of research evidence into real-world solutions for Singapore’s older population

Singapore — The Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI) today commemorated its tenth anniversary with a major international collaboration, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Canada’s Unity Health Toronto at its 10th Anniversary Research Symposium.

With one in four citizens projected to be aged 65 or older by 2030, it is part of GERI’s continuing efforts to improve the health outcomes of older adults in Singapore by strengthening the translation of research insights into practical solutions.

Through Unity Health’s Knowledge Translation Program (KTP) – a respected research programme based in Canada that supports researchers, policymakers and practitioners to improve health outcomes – the two-year MOU will further expand GERI’s capabilities as a translational research leader within the ageing research space in Singapore.

Leveraging KTP’s expertise in implementation science – the study of methods to facilitate the integration of research findings into routine practice – the collaboration will also enhance GERI’s methodological expertise in implementation research, aimed at optimising health programmes and services to better support older adults on their journey of ageing well in their homes and communities.

In addition, the MOU will establish a framework for both institutions to explore joint research projects and grant applications in the area of healthy ageing, co-organise academic and scientific activities such as training and seminars, and facilitate research personnel exchange between the institutions.

“It’s an honour to partner with GERI at this important point in their journey. This collaboration builds on our ongoing relationship over the past five years and reflects our shared dedication to turning evidence into real-world improvements for older adults. By bringing our expertise together, we will strengthen the impact of our research and advance healthy ageing for older people and their caregivers,” said Dr. Sharon Straus, Director, Knowledge Translation Program; Executive Vice- President and Chief Medical Officer at Unity Health Toronto.

“Since GERI’s establishment a decade ago, we are proud to have played a role in contributing to health policies, systems and practice for Singapore’s older generation. As our country’s population continues to age rapidly, there is a pressing need to better translate research findings into practical solutions to support national initiatives like Age Well SG. This collaboration with KTP strengthens our ability to facilitate translational research and ultimately help improve health outcomes for older persons,” said Associate Professor Ding Yew Yoong, Executive Director, GERI.

The GERI 10th Anniversary Research Symposium, themed “Translating Research for Healthy Ageing”, brought together distinguished international and local experts across the research-policy-practice ecosystem for an exchange of ideas on three areas: evidence-informed policymaking, implementation research, and ageing well in the community.

About the Geriatric Education and Research Institute (GERI)

The Geriatric Education & Research Institute (GERI) is a national research institute established in 2015 and funded by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. We conduct research on healthy ageing, with a focus on preventing functional decline and implementing integrated care for older adults. GERI’s multi-institutional team specialises in implementation research, evidence review, programme evaluation and health policy research, working closely with stakeholders from across Singapore’s healthcare clusters, policy bodies and community spaces. By translating evidence-based research outcomes into real-world use to reach decision-makers and practitioners, GERI contributes to health policy and practice to advance healthy ageing for our population.

For more information, visit www.geri.com.sg.