Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC)Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration The Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC) is a unique collaboration of health, research, aged care and advocacy organisations working together to improve the lives of older people. Our vision is that older people received the best possible care and support through services, programs and policies which support health and optimal quality of life. Home About MARC Our research Partners MARC events News Exhibition Contact MARC MARC 11th Annual MARC Symposium 2025: Achieving Equity in Research and Evidence-based Services for Older People The Melbourne Ageing Research Collaboration (MARC) held its 11th Annual Symposium at Deakin Downtown on August 1st, 2025, centred on the theme “Achieving Equity in Research & Evidence-Based Services for Older People.” Over 60 people attended in person and included people from all the MARC partner organisations and from non-partner organisations. The event brought together researchers, clinicians, community representatives, and sector leaders to share insights across three themed sessions. Presentation sessions and discussions explored the value of living and lived experience in research and how older people need to be included as co-researchers, addressing ageism and harmful stereotypes in healthcare, and the use of artificial intelligence in ageing and aged care through tools such as Dementia Australia’s app ‘Talk with Ted’. The session focusing on ensuring equity in translating research evidence into practice included perspectives on culturally safe ageing shared by Aboriginal Community Elders Service representatives. Presentations on digital health in dementia care, equity in mental health treatment for older people, and the launch of the ‘Wicking Trust Collaborative End of Life Hub’ were also part of this session. Barriers to equity exist in research and research practices. The session after lunch presented examples of overcoming these barriers including how to decentralise clinical trials, supporting people with dementia to participate in research, and strengthening equity-focused research ecosystems. Morning tea and lunch breaks offered valuable opportunities for networking, allowing attendees to connect with colleagues, exchange knowledge, and discuss the many aspects of ageing and aged care. The day closed with an expert panel reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of embedding equity into ageing research and services. If you attended the symposium and would like access to the presentations from the day, email [email protected]. We encourage you to join our MARC subscriber mailing list to stay informed of all of our events and news from our networks of members. 11th Annual MARC Symposium - Program Outline (pdf) Booking for this event has now closed. Manage Cookie Preferences