IRT Research Foundation

Launched in May 2009, the IRT Research Foundation aligns with IRT's mission, to create communities where seniors achieve their optimum quality of life.

The IRT Research Foundation aims to raise funds for and progress projects, which assist in a greater understanding of the ageing process and the care and wellbeing of seniors.

Steered by Mr Linton Lewis, the IRT Research Foundation is managed by a committee which consists of board representatives, external business representatives with expertise specific to the IRT Research Foundation and IRT staff.

Since its establishment, the IRT Research Foundation has supported six research projects through over $175,000 of grant funding.

Two rounds of grants have been awarded with the 2010 grants awarded to University of Wollongong researchers from the Illawarra Health & Medical Research Institute (IHMRI):

Dr Justin Yerbury and Dr Heath Ecroyd will research: molecular chaperones as agents of the ageing process with the ultimate goal of developing therapeutic drugs to combat ageing and age-related disorders and disease.
Dr Francesca Fernandez Enright and her team will research: prevention and early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using gene expression profiling in a case-control population in the Illawarra.
Professor Sandra Jones and her team will conduct a project to consider: different approaches to encourage healthy behaviours in lifestyle communities that improve an individual's wellbeing and lifestyle.

The 2011 successful round of grant recipients include:

David Neuman from the University of Griffiths will be examining strategies to increase the enjoyment of exercise in senior Australians through psychological methods. It is expected the study will show how older persons can improve their fitness levels by reducing the perceptions of physical effort and by making exercise more enjoyable and satisfying.
Yu Sun Bin from the University of Sydney has also been awarded funding to investigate whether sleep disturbances and the use of medications for sleep causes mental impairments in older persons. This project hopes to have implications in how sleep problems are treated in our ageing population.
Dr. Lisa Keay of The George Institute for Global Health to support an extensive study into the safety and mobility needs of senior Australian Drivers. The research project aims to gather data through “black box” recorders to provide relevant evidence regarding the vulnerabilities that affect older drivers. This information could be applied to development of educational programs and alternative transportation schemes to improve safety and retain independence for older people.

Along with important financial assistance, IRT further supports research projects with their promotion and in some cases volunteer participation of IRT residents.

Get Involved

IRT Research Foundation has a clear and enduring sense of mission – to improve the mind, mobility and lifestyle of older Australians – a dedication that will persist for years into the future. IRT Research Foundation’s long term commitment, pursued with passion and focus, is realised through the leadership of academic creativity, patient advocacy and industry experience.

Through your support we can ensure that more people are able to maintain their mind and mobility for longer.

You can choose where you would like your donation to go simply by completing our online form and selecting the 'IRT Research Foundation' option. Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.

If you would like more information on donations and bequests it is available on our Get Involved page.

IRT Research Foundation: a division of the IRT Group.