The Social Policy and Ageing Research Centre
SPARC was established in 2005 with the view to analysing the social policy ramifications of population ageing in Ireland and in the comparative perspective. Fundamental to the Centre's work is the belief that research has a central role to play in making Ireland a better place to grow old in.
SPARC's mission is three-fold:
Production of high-quality, comparative and policy-relevant research into the social policy impacts and implications of ageing. The main vehicle for disseminating this is publication in international peer-reviewed journals and books.
Using research findings to generate policy advice and insights that can in turn be used by policy makers and practitioners to improve the lives of older people. The main vehicles for this purpose are concise Policy Briefings and seminars / conferences.
Fostering a new cohort of social gerontologists trained to PhD level. SPARC hosts a community of young researchers and provides them with the physical infrastructure and networks to reach both policy makers and practitioners in Ireland, and fellow researchers in other countries.
Recent News
New study on intergenerational solidarity and justice in Ireland launched by TCD and NUI Galway. Further information available at www.sparc.tcd.ie/generations/