Interdisciplinary Expert Committee on Gerontological Education and Training

Objectives

The interdisciplinary expert committee on gerontological education and training builds on many years of work in the German Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics to reflect on gerontological study programs and strengthen academic engagement with the topic of age and ageing. The German-speaking higher education landscape has become more diverse in its gerontological study programs. In addition to consistently interdisciplinary programs, there are other models such as gerontology degrees with a specific focus or contact and certificate programs. Despite this pluralization, a joint commitment to the academic training of gerontologists and the promotion of these educational institutions for future young scientists remains important.

This expert committee aims to connect different activities and to promote a nuanced debate on academic education and training in gerontology in German-speaking countries. Topics include:

• Questions of interdisciplinarity in study programs
• Differences and similarities between public and private higher education institutions
• Career prospects for graduates
• Social change and its impact on study programs

Among other objectives, an overview of gerontology courses offered at universities in German-speaking countries is to be compiled in the form of a map. Proposals for the development of a catalogue of the content requirements and prerequisites for these courses are also to be developed. This may also result in further gerontology position papers.

All members of the four sections of the German Society for Gerontology and Geriatrics, as well as other interested people in the field of ageing research, are invited to participate in the committee - including (early-career) scientists, students and lecturers in the field of gerontology.