Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research
- Group summary: Our research aims to improve the health and well-being of older people, stroke survivors and their carers through high quality, collaborative, interdisciplinary research which will have a positive impact on local, national and international services and policies.
What we do
The Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research (ASR) is a leading health and social care research centre with reputable record of addressing key, relevant questions in ageing and stroke.
The focus of the ASR is applied health and social care research, with particular expertise in development and evaluation of complex interventions. We conduct high quality research to inform changes in policy and to services. Our aim is to improve the health and well-being of older people, survivors of stroke and their carers.
A programme of multidisciplinary health and social care research has been developed, facilitated by a strong and supportive network of local and national research colleagues, NHS clinical staff, service providers and public representatives.
Our Research
Healthy Ageing, Multiple Long-Term Conditions and Frailty
Our healthy ageing, multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) and frailty research theme addresses the needs of our ageing society.
Our research aims to:
• Maximise independence in later life.
• Improve health outcomes for people living with MLTCs and frailty.
• Development and evaluation of care for older people.
Stroke Research
Our stroke research is primarily focused on rehabilitation and life after stroke.
We have a long-established programme of research addressing the health and wellbeing of people with lived experience of stroke and their carers. Our work is underpinned by strong national and international collaborations. We work in close collaboration with the Leeds Institute of Clinical Trials Research.
Social Care
Our social care research focuses on understanding and improving the care and support provided to older adults requiring support to remain living in their own homes or with long term health conditions living in care homes.
We examine the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of various interventions delivered in social care environments, policies, and systems, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life, well-being, and independence of those who need care.
Medicines Optimisation
Our focus is to ensure patients receive the most effective, safe, and appropriate medications to achieve the best possible health outcomes.
Prescription of medicines that people do not need or want, or where harms outweigh potential benefits, is estimated to account for at least 10% of all medicines prescribed in the NHS. We have developed a portfolio of studies to focus on optimising medicines for older people.
Who we are
Unit Lead
Professor Andrew Clegg - Head of ASR, Chair of Geriatric Medicine
Senior Academics
Professor Anne Forster - Professor of Ageing and Stroke Research
Dr Elizabeth Teale - Clinical Senior Lecturer in Geriatric Medicine
Dr Oliver Todd – Clinical Associate Professor & Honorary Consultant Geriatrician
Dr Tom Crocker – Associate Professor in Stroke Care
Dr Liz Graham – Associate Professor in Ageing Research
Dr Kate Best – Associate Professor in Statistics
Dr Rebecca Hawkins – Associate Professor of Social Equity Research
Contact us
Email: AUAS.Research@bthft.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01274 383406
Twitter: @AUASResearch
LinkedIn: Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research
BlueSky: @auasresearch.bsky.social
Funding Sources
National Institute for Health and Care Research
The Stroke Association
Nuffield Foundation
Vivensa Foundation
Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Charitable Trust