Healthy Ageing Showcase 2026 marks a new milestone for Heriot-Watt
The Healthy Ageing Showcase 2026 brought together a diverse community of researchers, clinicians, industry partners, policymakers, third sector organisations and people with lived experience across health, care and technology, to explore how research and innovation can support healthier, more independent lives as we age.
Following the success of the 2024 showcase, which attracted more than 200 participants, this years’ event continued to highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing the opportunities and challenges associated with an ageing population.
Hosted by the Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies, the afternoon opened with remarks from Professor Chris Turney, Deputy Principal for Research and Innovation, before moving into a programme of keynote presentations, research showcases and opportunities for discussion and collaboration.
Attendees heard from researchers working across healthy ageing and explored a range of research posters, demonstrations and interactive stands showcasing emerging approaches to health and care. The event provided an opportunity to witness how research is being translated into practical solutions that could support health, wellbeing and independence in later life.
A strong focus throughout the afternoon was the value of bringing different perspectives together. The diverse community shared their insights and explored opportunities to work together to address the complex challenges associated with ageing.
The showcase also provided dedicated time for networking; these conversations are an important part of building partnerships and ensuring that future research and innovation responds to real-world needs.
Heriot-Watt recognised as an Age-Friendly University
The showcase also marked an important milestone in Heriot-Watt University’s commitment to creating a more age-inclusive university community, with the announcement that the University has achieved Age-Friendly University status.
The recognition reflects work already taking place across Heriot-Watt, as well as a commitment to further embed age-inclusive practice across research, education, community engagement and university life.
Heriot-Watt’s application to the Age-Friendly University Global Network was developed through a cross-university working group, with input from staff across campuses, strategic partner Age Scotland and the University’s Citizen’s Advisory Network.
The process highlighted the importance of ensuring that older people are not simply beneficiaries of university activity, but active contributors to research, learning and the wider university community. The proposed action plan includes work around lifelong learning and flexible education, community engagement, research co-production and lived-experience integration, strategic partnerships and health and wellbeing.
The recognition builds on existing activity across Heriot-Watt, including the work of the wattAGE healthy ageing research theme, the Citizen’s Advisory Network, the University’s partnership with Age Scotland and research that involves older people in shaping the development of new technologies and approaches to health and care.
The announcement provided a fitting conclusion to an afternoon focused on collaboration, participation and the future of healthy ageing.
Healthy ageing is a complex and interdisciplinary challenge, requiring expertise from across health and care, engineering, technology and the wider community. By bringing these perspectives together and recognising the role universities can play in creating more age-inclusive environments the showcase demonstrated how research, innovation and partnership can contribute to better quality of life across the lifespan.