NARI Director to step down

The National Ageing Research Institute Director Professor Briony Dow will be stepping down from her role in May 2024.

Throughout her 20 years at NARI, Dow has worked across research and advocacy in the aging, health and aged care sectors — publishing more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and 30 major reports to government, and dedicating her long and illustrious career to improving the lives of older people and those who care for them.

NARI’s Board President, Associate Professor Michael Murray, said Professor Dow has made NARI a destination workplace for skilled researchers and clinicians.

“Briony’s legacy will be creating an enduring culture of research excellence, fostering true organisational commitment to valuing the voices of older people, and developing strategic partnerships with government and industry, which have enabled NARI’s important research to be translated into practice,” Murray said.

Prior to her work at NARI, Professor Dow practised as a social worker in community aged care, working in a range of clinical settings, including local government, mental health, disability and rehabilitation.

She is a former President of the Australian Association of Gerontology (AAG) and holds a seat on a range of national advisory groups, including the AIHW Aged Care Data Advisory Group and Elder Abuse Action Australia Advisory Committee.

In 2022, Professor Dow was recognised by the AAG with a Lifetime Award for her ongoing dedication to aging and aged care research.

“Growing older is a luxury not all are afforded, and it’s vital that we are able to take care of ourselves and those we love as we age,” Dow said.

“I am immensely proud of the work that we have done to improve hospital care for older people, to enhance dementia literacy amongst culturally and linguistically diverse communities, to support family carers and the aged care workforce, and to raise awareness of and responses to elder abuse — just to name a few of NARI’s recent achievements,” Dow said.

“Every day there are advancements and discoveries being made, and projects being developed, which will have tangible impacts on the lives of older people, helping them to age well.”

“It’s been very rewarding to be part of the work being done at NARI and with our many collaborators, and I know they will continue to work together to achieve better outcomes for older Australians.”

Professor Dow will be stepping down but not away, as she will continue in a research and mentorship role — pursuing NARI’s vision of a world where older people are respected, healthy and included.

Image courtesy of NARI.