Researchers from six countries gathered in Stockholm in September for the fifth annual workshop organised by the Social Inequalities in Ageing (SIA) Network. The event brought together junior and senior researchers to discuss ongoing studies, strengthen research collaborations and exchange perspectives on ageing and health.
The workshop took place at Hesselby Slott on 22−23 September and was organised by Pernilla Alencar Siljehag and Johan Fritzell at the Aging Research Center (ARC) , which is part of the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at Karolinska Institutet. Participants came from Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Opportunities for scientific exchange across career stages
A central feature of the workshop was the presentation of ongoing research by junior researchers. Manuscripts were circulated in advance, allowing both junior and senior colleagues to provide detailed feedback and take part in extended discussions. Each presentation was discussed by one junior and one senior researcher, creating opportunities for scientific exchange across career stages.
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“An important aim of the workshop is to create a setting where junior researchers can discuss their work in depth and receive constructive input from peers and senior colleagues who have carefully read their manuscripts,” says Pernilla Alencar Siljehag , doctoral student at ARC and the Stockholm Gerontology Research Center Foundation (Äldrecentrum) and co-organiser of the workshop.
One session focused on the theme “Genes, Environment, and Health Inequalities”, with presentations by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Tampere University. The programme also included discussions on future Nordic collaboration. A short paper on social inequalities in informal caregiving was presented as a starting point for a potential joint Nordic research proposal. Representatives from the Nordic Welfare Centre also shared ongoing initiatives related to ageing and Nordic cooperation.
Strengthen collaborations and capacity building in the Nordic region
The workshop forms part of the SIA network’s broader effort to strengthen collaboration and capacity building across the Nordic region. Junior participants highlighted networking opportunities as particularly valuable, noting that contacts with researchers at other institutions can support future collaborations and research applications. They also emphasised the importance of learning about policy and practice developments in neighbouring Nordic countries.
“Bringing together researchers at different career stages and from different countries helps create lasting connections and new opportunities for collaboration on issues related to ageing and health inequalities,” says Johan Fritzell , senior researcher at ARC and project leader for SIA.
Social Inequalities in Ageing Network (SIA)
The SIA network aims to strengthen research capacity and promote Nordic collaboration on social inequalities in ageing and health. Since becoming a Nordic research network in 2022, it has continued to support academic exchange through workshops, meetings and researcher collaborations.
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