Alzheimer's Society Chief Executive named chairman of research forum

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, will take on the additional role of chairman of the UK Age Research Forum (UKARF) while Elizabeth Mills, who has nearly 25 years experience in the age research sector, is the new UKARF Steering Group chairman.

The forum, made up of government, research council and charity representatives makes a positive difference to the lives of older people by promoting high quality research.

Neil Hunt says,

'I am delighted to have been elected as chairman of the UK Age Research Forum. The forum provides an excellent opportunity for key funders in the field of ageing research to come together, share their expertise and help shape the future of scientific study to benefit some of society's most vulnerable members.

'We are living in an ageing population and it is vital that the necessary money and expertise are available for research in this field to flourish.'

The UK Age Research Forum is made up of 27 organisations that are key funders of ageing research. Meetings are held twice a year. There are also working groups set up to discuss dementia, public affairs and engaging with industry. Last year the forum played an important role in advising the government on setting up the first dementia research summit.

Neil Hunt replaces Mike Lake who stepped down after leaving his post as Director General of Help the Aged.  

The UK Age Research Forum Steering Group, chaired by Elizabeth Mills, oversees the operational aspects of the forum. It has been tasked specifically with putting together a work plan and evaluation framework for the forum.

Notes to editors

• The UK Age Research Forum was set up to promote high quality research that is well funded, effectively targeted and monitored, multi-disciplinary when appropriate and closely engaged with potential research users. This research must ultimately have a beneficial impact on the quality of life of people as they age.
• Neil Hunt has been Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society for more than six years. Prior to this he worked for many years in social care in London and Kent before joining the NSPCC where he became director of child protection. He was seconded to the civil service to work on a wide range of projects in the Home Office and the Department of Education and Skills.
• Elizabeth Mills was chief executive of Research into Ageing in 2001 when the charity was merged with Help the Aged. As a consultant, her clients have included Friends of the Elderly, the National Osteoporosis Society, Help the Aged and ATCare among others. She was honoured with an OBE for services to ageing research in 2002.
• There are now more people in the UK aged 60 and above than there are under 18, and more pensioners than there are children under 16
• The number of people aged 65 years and over is expected to rise by over 50% in the next 25 years.
• Research has a pivotal role to play in addressing the challenges posed by this demographic agenda.
• UKARF, with its broad membership of funders representing multidisciplinary research areas is acting together to address this challenge.