Conicyt to invest $900 million in aging research

In the year 2025 there will be more older adults than under 15 in Chile, demographic change will bring new challenges which should be already studying. But in Chile, there are few designated resources to do so and so far, There is no specific program to finance them.

This year, the National Commission for scientific and technological research (CONICYT) It launched the first contest IDeA in two stages theme in elderly, whose call runs until Tuesday, June 21, 2016, and that it will distribute $900 million to the selected projects. Funding will be caped at $150 million (up to 70% of the total), for those proposals that contribute to improving the quality of life of older adults.

Christian Nicolai, Director Executive of Conicyt, He says that so far "the researchers proposed, in general, What study to apply for funding and what's new in this program is that it is theme, "aims to improve the quality of life of them adults older and in the second stage have that reach to an application", explains.

It is expected that in 4 years they will have results applicable to the care and support of the elderly in the health system and the home, the integration social and training of that group age.

Can participate people legal national without aims of profit that perform activities of research and development, as universities, higher education institutions recognized by the State, institutes of technology and research, both public and private. The projects must incorporate, In addition, the active participation of companies and/or national entities, that contribute to a proper implementation of the projects and ensure technology transfer of its results.

Today there are some centres in which we study related topics, as the center of Gerociencia, Mental Health and metabolism and the advanced studies of chronic diseases, but should compete for funds General. Nicolai, He argues that they expect this Fund to be "standing to the extent that is necessary and interest".

Senama and Minsal will also participate in the selection. "We cannot think that hoping for life we have a person only needs medical attention, to improve living conditions over 60 years, you have to start preparing much earlier", emphasizes Nicolai.

Source: www.latercera.com