R3 Innovations in Aging event spotlights complex issue

January 25th, 2018

FREDERICTON (N.B.) – With 2018 marking the R3 event’s 10-year anniversary, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) is proud to announce a new 3-day format and the timely theme of innovations in aging. The event will take place in Fredericton, New Brunswick, from April 10th to 12th, 2018.

The R3 Innovations in Aging event has been developed in collaboration between the NBIF, the New Brunswick Social Policy Network (NBSPRN), and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF). The R3 mission is to spotlight innovative local research, unite researchers with the public and business community, and demonstrate the tremendous impact research can have on healthy aging in New Brunswick.

With an aging population, an increase in individuals with complex conditions, and system capacity limitations, the Government of New Brunswick has determined that advancements in healthy aging are a key priority. Themes will include enabling independent senior living, healthy aging policy support, and embracing a culture of person-centered care.

The multievent initiative will kick-off with the R3 Talks on the evening of April 10th, 2018, at the Fredericton Playhouse. The short series of talks will be delivered by some of New Brunswick’s top researchers in innovations for aging populations, and will be hosted by award-winning British comedian James Mullinger, who now resides in New Brunswick.

The two-day R3 Conference will be held on April 11th and 12th, 2018, and will include hands-on, workshop-style sessions to foster a collaborative approach between the community, government, industry, and researchers.

On the final evening of April 12th, 2018, the R3 Gala will be held at the Fredericton Convention Centre. During the Gala, five research finalists will be spotlighted and three will be chosen for the Research Innovation Awards and awarded $50,000 each in NBIF research funding. One Viewer’s Choice Award recipient will also be announced and awarded $15,000 in NBIF research funding. Entertainment will include a powerful keynote delivered by Ashton Applewhite, ageism expert and author of This Chair Rocks.

A forthcoming announcement will reveal the five Research Innovation Award finalists, and a call for votes for the Viewer’s Choice Award. Further details on the event will also be released at that time.

“We really wanted to celebrate the world class research that’s being done in New Brunswick for healthy aging,” says the NBIF’s Director of Research, Lindsay Bowman. “We want everyone to know that our local universities, colleges, research institutes, and hospitals are home to researchers that are making great strides to solve this complex problem, and to discover innovative ways to improve quality of life right here in our province. R3 is about getting New Brunswickers excited about the possibilities and to bring together a range of perspectives through facilitated discussion and collaboration.”

Tickets are on sale as of today at www.R3event.ca and discounted senior and student pricing is available. Specially priced Early Bird All Access tickets will be available for the first 50 tickets sold.

Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are now available, and interested companies may contact Vanessa Matthews at vanessa.matthews@nbif.ca.

About the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF)
The NBIF is an independent non-profit corporation that specializes in venture capital and research investments. Dedicated to building innovation in our province, the NBIF delivers the resources and expertise required to achieve new opportunities, growth, and advancements that positively impact New Brunswick.

With over $85 million invested, plus $425 million more leveraged from other sources, the NBIF has helped to create over 106 companies and fund 470 applied research projects since its inception in 2003.  All of the NBIF’s investment returns go back into the Foundation to be re-invested in other startups and research initiatives.

Media contact:
Vanessa Matthews
Marketing Manager
Vanessa.Matthews@nbif.ca
506-452-8598