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Government assignment: Forte to analyse research needs in ageing and brain health
To further strengthen Swedish research in ageing and brain health, the government has tasked Forte with identifying needs for knowledge, research infrastructures and coordination efforts.
The aim is to provide a stronger basis for strategic investments that can reinforce the research field and contribute to faster progress in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care, as well as to disseminate knowledge and ensure that research is put to use.
An ageing population is a major societal challenge, and Forte and other actors currently fund extensive research in ageing and brain health, including research on neurocognitive diseases such as dementia. At the same time, there is a need for a comprehensive national overview of ongoing projects, research environments and coordination efforts.
- The assignment will strengthen research in the field and create better conditions for ensuring that research is utilised and contributes to solutions to this major challenge,” says Cecilia Beskow, Head of Research at Forte.
The assignment includes:
- identifying knowledge gaps in the field
- analysing needs for research environments and collaborative efforts
- creating a national overview
- proposing a research initiative or other measures
The assignment will strengthen research and create better conditions for ensuring that research is utilised and contributes to solutions to this major challenge.
Cecilia Beskow
Chef för Fortes forskningsavdelning
Background to the initiative
The background to the assignment includes the national dementia strategy “Every Day Counts”, which runs from 2025 to 2028, where increased knowledge of dementia diseases is highlighted as a key area for development.
Forte has previously been assigned by the government to carry out a research initiative on dementia, based on the bill Research and Innovation for the Future, Curiosity and Benefit (2024/25:60). As part of this assignment, two research centres are being funded. Synergies between the two assignments should be taken into account.
Contributing to future initiatives
Views are to be obtained from the Swedish Research Council and other relevant stakeholders. In May 2027, Forte is to present its needs analysis and propose a coordinated research initiative or other measures that can strengthen the research field of ageing and brain health.
Forte-funded centres on dementia
- DEMSAM Centrum, External link. for a dementia-friendly and person-centred society, University of Gothenburg
- TraCeDem, External link. KI’s transdisciplinary research centre for personalised dementia prevention, Karolinska Institutet
TEXT: Lena Lindkvist (english translation by Forte)
