International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC)

International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC)

The ISAC is composed of highly accomplished and world-renowned scientists who are active in aging research internationally. The Committee is an integral scientific oversight body that collaborates with the Scientific and Managing Directors to ensure that the research activities of MIRA and its corresponding Centres contribute to meeting their respective mission and goals. The ISAC also ensures objectivity and a high standard of scientific excellence when making decisions about research priorities and performance. 

​Chair

• Dr. David Hogan, University of Calgary
  ​Academic Leader, Brenda Stafford ​Centre on Aging
  O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine
  Biography

​Members of the ISAC

• Dr. ​Amelia DeFalco, University of Leeds
  University Academic Fellow in Medical Humanities
  Cultural representations of aging, disability, dementia and care
  Biography
  
  
• Dr. Tom Kirkwood, Newcastle University
  Professor Emeritus (formerly Associate Dean for Ageing), Institute for Ageing
  Biography
  
  
• Dr. James Nazroo, University of Manchester
  Professor of Sociology, Honorary
  Director, Cathie Marsh Centre for Census and Survey Research
  Biography
  
  
• Nicola Palmarini, IBM Accessibility / IBM Research
  Global Manager of Aging & Accessibility Solutions
  Biography
  
  
• Dr. S V Subramanian, Harvard University
  Professor of Population Health and Geography, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  Biography

Responsibilities

The ISAC is responsible for advising the Scientific and Managing Directors on the relevance and quality of the research outcomes of MIRA and its corresponding Centres, as well as assisting in decision-making regarding areas of research focus and peer review of strategic initiatives annually. The ISAC will also advise on potential international collaboration and partnership opportunities with a particular focus on research, but also potentially impacting MIRA's knowledge translation, training and education, and external relations activities. 

In particular, the ISAC: 

• Provides advice on strategic priorities;
• Participates in scientific review of projects, proposals, and plans in the form of iterative feedback on development of projects, rather than ranking many proposals in a competition;
• Identifies opportunities for MIRA to raise its profile, join a collaboration or apply for funding;
• Helps develop plans for increasing the visibility of MIRA.