Ageing and Health at The University of Edinburgh marks 50 years of research and impact

The Ageing and Health group is celebrating its 50th anniversary at The University of Edinburgh, marking five decades of research, teaching and clinical collaboration dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

Established in 1976, the academic unit of geriatric medicine was established with James Williamson as the first Professor of Geriatric Medicine. His work helped lay the foundations for geriatric medicine as a recognised academic and clinical discipline in the UK.

Professor Archie Young, Professor James Williamson and Professor William MacLennan (photograph taken at Professor Young's retiral, 2007)
From left to right: Professor Archie Young, Professor James Williamson and Professor William MacLennan (photograph taken at Professor Young's retiral, 2007)

Over the past 50 years, the group has grown into a world-leading centre for research into the health challenges associated with ageing. Its work spans key areas including stroke, dementia, delirium, frailty, hip fracture and multiple long-term conditions - issues that are increasingly important in ageing populations worldwide.

Leadership of the group has passed through several distinguished figures, including Professor William MacLennan (1986), Professor Archie Young (1998) and Professor Alasdair MacLullich (2007). In 2023, Professor Gillian Mead became Head of Ageing and Health, continuing the group’s strong tradition of clinical and academic leadership. Today, the group brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, including senior staff: Professor Alasdair MacLullich and Professor Susan Shenkin, alongside Dr Atul Anand and Dr Alixe Kilgour.
 

Dr Atul Anand, Professor Gillian Mead, Dr Alixe Kilgour, Professor Alasdair MacLullich, Professor Susan Shenkin
From left to right: Dr Atul Anand, Professor Gillian Mead, Dr Alixe Kilgour, Professor Alasdair MacLullich, Professor Susan Shenkin

A key strength of the group lies in its commitment to translating research into real-world impact, particularly through close collaboration with NHS partners. This includes longstanding work with NHS Lothian Stroke and Medicine of Elderly, led by Clinical Director Dr Amanda Barugh, supporting improvements in care for older people across hospital, community and care home settings. From its earliest days to the present, the group has maintained a strong focus on delivering better outcomes for patients and supporting the healthcare workforce.

The anniversary also provides an opportunity to reflect on the group’s wider legacy. Over five decades, Ageing and Health has trained generations of doctors, scientists and allied health professionals, many of whom have gone on to lead their own research and clinical programmes in the UK and internationally.

To mark the milestone, we are re-sharing a recorded interview with Professor Williamson which offers a unique insight into the early development of geriatric medicine and the origins of the group at Edinburgh. We are grateful to Chris Holme, Journalist and Digital History Specialist, for permission to reuse this recording.

As Ageing and Health looks to the future, it continues to play a vital role in addressing the complex health needs of an ageing population - building on 50 years of innovation, collaboration and impact.

Further information

Ageing and Health | Usher Institute

How the Chest was Won | The History Company

James Williamson Interview | Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

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