In 2009, an alternative training opportunity was provided in the form of a Week in Residence from 19-23 April 2009. The programme included seminars related to medical aspects of ageing and social science workshops. These workshops were designed not only to present information but to encourage discussion from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

 

Most importantly the Week in Residence programme was tailored to individual research interests and skill levels. Each of the 14 participants representing 12 countries (China, Lithuania, South Africa, Spain, USA, Germany, Sweden, Korea, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia) was assigned a mentor who met with them at the beginning to layout their weekly plan and remained in daily contact to ensure that their needs were being met. 

 

The plan included identification of resources such as the libraries, training, other University seminars and networking with relevant University contacts which the researcher would find beneficial. In addition, each participant was encouraged to share their own research findings within the larger group which included OIA DPhil students, post-docs and academics.