DMT developing the evidence base: building and delivering suitable living environments and communities for an ageing population call

Based in the UK, the Dunhill Medical Trust (DMT) supports academic and clinical researchers to understand the mechanisms of ageing and treat age-related diseases and frailty.

DMT’s new Developing the Evidence Base: Building and Delivering Suitable Living Environments and Communities for an Ageing Population Call is the first call to be published since the introduction of DMT’s new Strategic Framework. The Framework takes a thematic and focused approach to funding, with the aim of supporting under-funded areas.

A number of studies have identified the link between suitable housing and a healthier and well-supported later life, but there still needs to be radical systemic change to deliver this. Funding through this call will support academic and clinical researchers partnered with community organisations (third sector and/or government organisations with a local and/or community focus providing services and support to older people) to conduct innovative research into building and delivering suitable living environments and communities for an ageing population.

Applicants must put forward a defined research question that, in the short to medium term, has the potential for direct and measurable impact on the wider health and social care of older people in the UK and/or associated policy and practice. Through consultation, DMT has identified several research topics that proposals could encompass:

• Activities for older people within and around living environments and communities, including, for example, education/learning, facilitation of skills/knowledge exchange, cooking and eating well, gardening etc.
• Architecture, design and the built environment within and around older people’s living environments and communities, including transport and housing supply/demand/planning etc.
• Comparative studies of older people’s living environments and communities, including international comparisons.
• Connections and community within and around older people’s living environments, including services and people (such as residents, carers, families, friends, peers, staff, volunteers and intergenerational considerations etc).
• The impact of COVID-19 on older people’s living environments and communities, and what can be learnt for the future.
• Equity, diversity and inclusion in older people’s living environments and communities.
• Older people’s pathways through living environments and health systems, and how various factors interact and affect long-term trajectories in living environments and health.
• Technological advances in older people’s living environments and communities.

Principal Investigators (PIs) (lead applicants) must be based at UK universities or other eligible research organisations. PIs must apply for funding with teams that include at least one co-applicant from a community organisation with which they already have an established relationship. Alternatively, a request can be made to partner with one of DMT’s partner organisations (Johnnie Johnson Housing or United St Saviour’s Charity).

Studies should primarily focus on issues that have benefits to UK organisations and citizens. Contributions from international collaborators may be permitted if they are clearly justified.

The total call budget is £2.4 million, from which six awards are expected to be made. More awards may be given if DMT receives applications of a suitably high quality. The maximum grant is expected to be around £400,000.

There is a two-stage application process: mandatory Expressions of Interest followed by invited full applications.

Expressions of Interest must be submitted by the deadline of 18 May 2021 (17:00). Full applications (invitation only) must be submitted by the deadline of 21 July 2021