MIRA’s governance draws upon expertise from the private sector and aging experts from internal and external academic communities. It ensures that objectives are realized, resources are well managed, and the interests of all stakeholders--members, partners, and end users--are protected and reflected in key decisions. Governance structures and systems are as follows:
- An Executive Committee that meets a minimum of four times a year to provide insight and advice to the Scientific and Managing Directors regarding operational and strategic research and knowledge translation priorities of the Institute and corresponding Centres. It offers valuable guidance on the performance of the Institute and its Centres.
- An International Scientific Advisory Committee that is composed of highly accomplished and world-renowned scientists from the international community who are active in research on aging, ensuring objectivity and the highest standard of scientific excellence regarding research priorities and performance. The committee is an integral scientific oversight body that collaborates with the Scientific and Managing Directors to ensure that the research activities of the Institute, including the nested Centres, contribute to meeting their respective mission and goals. This international body provides third-party, independent advice on options for international collaborations and partnerships for research, knowledge translation, and training.
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An End-User and Stakeholder Sub-Committee that facilitates connections with research end-users and ensures the research agenda is always informed by the practical considerations of those who will use and benefit from the research output. Involvement of end-users and other stakeholders at all stages of the research process is a proven method to enhance usability and facilitate implementation of the products of research.
- A Communications and Promotions Working Group that is responsible for initiating and facilitating knowledge translation, promotional and communications activities that support our objectives and corresponding Centres. This group is overseen by the Managing Director of the Institute and includes MIRA members and other collaborating groups.
- A Training and Capacity Working Group informs the development of novel training and educational programs at McMaster University related to aging. This group is overseen by the Managing Director of the Institute and is composed of MIRA members and others with an interest in building capacity for aging research and working with older adults.