The Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research Away Day 2025 brought together NHS clinicians, researchers, social care professionals and community leaders and posed a deceptively simple question to its delegates: How can research support improved health and care for older people and stroke survivors in Bradford District in 2025 and beyond?
The answers, it turned out, were anything but simple.
Professor Andy Clegg, Professor of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Leeds, opened the day by charting ASR’s remarkable 38-year journey of research excellence — before turning the conversation firmly towards the future:
Andy Clegg, Professor of Geriatric Medicine, University of Leeds said “The ASR has had some great successes over its 38 years history including the eFI, which has now been including the NHS Long Term Plan and NHS England Proactive Care Framework. The ASR leading some very exciting research and it was inspiring to bring everyone one room together to think about how research can better support older people and stroke survivors with their health and care”
We have the privilege of welcoming a range of inspiring keynote speakers, including Anna Dixon, MP for Shipley and former Founder & Director of the Centre for Ageing Better. Anna offered valuable insights into is the emerging prioirities within the NHS England 10-Year Plan, reflecting on the potential implications for older people and stroke survivors in Bradford District.
CEO of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Prof Mel Pickup, emphasised that hospitals should not be seen as “repair centres” and reinforced the aim of supporting older people to remain happy, healthy and at home. Mel also mentions the interface between research and its translation into practice and how we can use our research to enable change in practice.
We also heard from other keynote speakers who shared their vision for new integrated neighbourhood teams and how bringing services together can improve care and support for for older people and stroke survivors.
The day concluded with three structured thematic discussions — Analogue to Digital, Hospital to Community, and Treatment to Prevention — followed by Professor Clegg presenting a summary of key insights and next steps.
The 2025 ASR Away Day brought together a wide range of voices, and through open dialogue, the day strengthened collective commitment to transforming health and care services through evidence, partnership and innovation. We have moved into 2026 with a clearer roadmap for research that supports healthier, more independent communities across the Bradford District and beyond.