title: 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.
authors: a Center for Health Policy Research and Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health , University of California-Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California , USA.
authors: Kathryn G
authors: KG
authors: Kietzman
authors: b Department of Nutrition , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts , USA.
authors: Lisa M
authors: LM
authors: Troy
authors: c Department of Anesthesiology , University of Michigan Medical School , Ann Arbor , Michigan , USA.
authors: Carmen R
authors: CR
authors: Green
authors: a Center for Health Policy Research and Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health , University of California-Los Angeles , Los Angeles , California , USA.
authors: Steven P
authors: SP
authors: Wallace
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005180:Faculty, Medical / Q000592:standards; D017144:Focus Groups; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011050:Policy Making; D013663:Teaching / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D057170:Translational Research, Biomedical / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: aging and diversity; aging policy; career advancement; faculty evaluations; focus groups; higher education; mentoring; research in aging