INTERDEM Academy at the Alzheimer Europe Conference  – Highlights

Our Academy members were well represented at the annual INTERDEM meeting and the Conference itself, with many symposia, talks, quick orals, and posters. This current generation of early stage researchers represents the future of INTERDEM, working within the network to lead the way in developing cutting edge research in psychosocial interventions for dementia.

On Tuesday afternoon, the ESRs of DISTINCT hosted their invited symposium (by being the most influential tweeter of #31AEC) on the main findings on technology to promote social health. 13 out of 15 ESRs presenting their projects, 3 minutes each, quite a challenge! But, moderated by Research Coordinator Rose-Marie Droës and Project Manager Orii McDermott, they managed to swiftly take us on a journey across all their projects, recommendations and insights. We congratulate the ESRs with this successful symposium and interesting first results, thanks for sharing!

On Wednesday morning, the annual INTERDEM Academy seminar took place, this year in the format of a World Café. Doing things a little differently, chairs were grabbed and circles were formed, to discuss early career challenges with each other in small subgroups. The following themes were identified beforehand via an online questionnaire: Self-management & work-life balance, Career progression & management, and Financial support & grant writing. The goal of each subgroup was to identify their “best practices” and build future support. The opportunity to network and to share experiences with peers was highly appreciated, and great ideas and solutions were exchanged. The organization, this time a joined collaboration of our INTERDEM Academy representatives and ISTAART PEERS PIA representatives is currently looking into all shared needs, experiences and ideas. Hereby we invite you all to join us on December 5th, in our online follow-up World Café – part 2 (via https://maastrichtuniversity.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42zifCgaYK4MXdA), to build on the insights gathered during the conference. Feel welcome!