Our legacy

The National Ageing Research Institute was founded as the National Research Institute of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine in 1976 by the Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne and the Government of Victoria.

Professor Derek Prinsley AM led the Institute for its first 10 years, building its international reputation for interdisciplinary and practical ageing research, able to be directly applied to policy and practice, and for providing education to health professionals.

In 1994, the Institute’s name was changed to the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI).

NARI continues to build on this legacy via our extensive and innovative programs of research. We remain at the forefront of ageing research in Australia, working to build a world where older people are healthy, respected and included.

“As we approach NARI’s 50th anniversary, I’m proud to lead an institute with such a rich legacy of impact. Our research continues to shape aged care policy, empower communities, and improve the lives of older Australians. We remain committed to ensuring that ageing is not just about adding years to life, but life to years.”

Professor Tracy Comans, Director, NARI 

One of a kind

We are the first academic centre in Australia focused on research and ageing in Australia as well as an independent non-profit medical research institute and company limited by guarantee – unique in the Australian ageing research sector. This means we can focus on the research in the areas we know are the most crucial to achieving healthier ageing with no compromise.

Constitution of the National Ageing Research Institute Limited