Baycrest

Integrating Research and Education The Baycrest Academy for Research and Education represents the amalgamation of the Rotman Research Institute and the Centre for Education and Knowledge Exchange in Aging. Maximizing impact with the Baycrest Academy By integrating research and education under the Baycrest Academy, we have an opportunity to maximize the impact of both in the broader community and to reap several additional benefits, such as the following: • The Academy brings together our unique perspectives on research and education to collaborate on initiatives and projects, amplifying the Academy's reach and influence. • The Academy strengthens our impact on clinical practice through applied research and evaluation, the use of effective knowledge dissemination and implementation tactics, and innovative technology and pedagogy. • The Academy brings together clinical students, research trainees, and medical trainees in a holistic approach to drive interprofessional learning and collaboration. • The Academy benefits from shared methodological expertise and infrastructure, and enhances our ability to apply for more diverse funding and funding success, as well as develop and operationalize sustainable business models and opportunities. Together, we will use our advances in research and education to drive knowledge discovery and dissemination, and help all older adults and their families live their best possible lives. Developing a strong strategic plan At the time of this writing, in line with the broader Baycrest Seniors Care strategy, we are in the process of developing a strategic plan that fully reflects the integration of research and education, and lays the path for the Baycrest Academy's growth and sustainability. To support us through this comprehensive strategic planning process, we are working with an international management consultancy and engaging numerous members of the Academy, including scientists, staff, students, trainees, and educators, as well as Academy Advisory Committee members and partners beyond the Academy. Raising Canadians' awareness of dementia prevention strategies At the end of the fiscal year, the Baycrest Academy secured an important grant from the Public Health Agency of Canada's Dementia Strategic Fund, with the goal of using research and education to raise Canadians' awareness of how to reduce their dementia risk. The Academy began working with older adults, people at risk for and living with dementia, and their care partners, to create and disseminate a podcast series, videos, infographics, and website all about dementia prevention. This suite of knowledge products will acknowledge that different individuals have different optimal learning modes, and that learning is enhanced when individuals receive related information through different modes of engagement. The podcast, called Defy Dementia, will be hosted by the Baycrest Academy's President and Chief Scientist, Dr. Allison Sekuler, and Canadian author and broadcaster, Jay Ingram, with guests invited to speak about their lived experience and about different factors linked to dementia risk. The information presented in the podcast will be informed in part by Baycrest research, while the Centre for Education team will lead the development of the accompanying videos and infographics. The Rotman Research Institute (RRI)'s Kunin-Lunenfeld Centre for Applied Research & Evaluation (KL-CARE) will evaluate the effectiveness of the project in raising Canadians' awareness and understanding of risk factors for dementia, as well as fostering more inclusive attitudes towards those living with dementia. By meaningfully engaging older adults and their care partners throughout the co-design and dissemination of these evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and accessible knowledge products, this project will not only raise awareness on how to prevent dementia but also help reduce dementia- related stigma. Tune in to the Defy Dementia podcast at defydementia.org or wherever you get your podcasts. 8 BAYCREST ACADEMY FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION

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