Objectives et Missions

The Institute of Longevity, old ages and ageing (ILVV) is a multi-organisation structure whose objectives are to encourage and support interdisciplinary scientific work within the Humanities and Social Sciences. The investigations require a multidisciplinary perspective, which is essential to grasp the intertwined issues they raise and to answer the fundamental questions they entail. Today, the challenge of our research field is to develop interdisciplinarity and dialogue with related fields and institutional parties.

OBJECTIVES

Longevity, old ages and ageing constitute an urging field of research, which is widely covered by the various disciplines of the humanities and social sciences (SHS). The ILVV aims to promote interdisciplinarity; to foster and support the joint development of approaches and methods around key issues; to collectively improve knowledge while anchoring it at the very core of public debate.

In order to identify the research work and questions that fall under this heading, the ILVV relies on a pluralistic and broad definition of ageing: it is considered both at the individual level, with the various implications of advancing age (physiological, social, work-related, relational, etc.), and at the population level, with the (demographic, social, political, organisational, etc.) implications of the changing age structures and the increased longevity.  As an extension of the activities of the GDR Longévité et Vieillissement, the objectives of the ILVV are :

  • To support the structuring process and the highlighting of French research on key issues (living conditions; economic and social contribution; environment and housing); education and training; social participation; new labour markets; inclusion and equity, social protection; technologies; data).
  • To promote interdisciplinarity through thematic scientific events and workshops for PhD and post-doctoral students.
  • To enable the exchange of knowledge between the academic community, public institutions, field workers, stakeholder in charge of age-related and welfare policies.

THE FOUR MISSIONS OF THE ILVV

The activities carried out by the ILVV are structured around main objectives: to highlight research in the field, the interdisciplinary approaches, to promote collaboration with other research institutions and scientific groups, including at international level; and to support young researchers. In order to achieve these objectives, the ILVV has set itself four missions: mapping and highlighting French research, promoting it, connecting people to foster interdisciplinarity, and engaging dialogue with social society. These missions are designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, through the promotion of events and publications. The Scientific Board, the Steering Committee and the ILVV team draw up an annual roadmap in spring in order to pursue the Institute's four missions and respond to the needs of actors in the field.

MAPPING AND HIGHLIGHT THE FRENCH RESEARCH IN THE FIELD

This mission is focused on the identification of workforces,
with the aim of facilitating networking and light on issues that are visible.

A directory of researchers has been developed to make the community of the field more accessible and to encourage multidisciplinarity and collaborations. A database by key words and themes allows analysing the work in the field and bringing out emerging topics and challenges.

PROMOTING THE FRENCH RESEARCH

by developing communication resources that facilitate knowledge
the contribution of fellows and their works.

Three axes are developed:

  • Publication of a "Research newsletter on Ageing," produced by the CNAV in collaboration with the ILVV. Three issues are scheduled each years.
  • Our website provides a range of structuring tools, including a directory of researchers, a list of research projects, a database of teams in the field, a tracking system for calls for projects and symposiums, and information on major data sources in France.
  • A section dedicated to early researchers, entitled "incubator". This section includes announcements of PhD defences, "The Figure of the Month", training courses, etc.

CONNECTING PEOPLE...

by organising or supporting their organisation
multidisciplinary scientific events

In collaboration with its scientific community, the ILVV facilitates the organization of regional and inter-national multidisciplinary scientific gatherings in France. It also oversees the organization of conferences and seminars.
The Autumn School is designed for PhD students and early career researchers, offering them the opportunity to gain familiarity with various approaches, methods and data, as well as to discuss their own work. Furthermore, the Institute endeavours to facilitate access to scientific events and national and international networks for these individuals.

ENGAGING DIALOGUE WITH CIVIL SOCIETY FOR CROSS-FERTILIZATION

to shed light on the resources and needs of the academic and
institutional spheres, field workers and ageing people.

The aim is to confront the work carried out at the crossroads of research and social policy issues. The DIALOGUE seminars could also be extended to dialogue with other ageing Sciences.