Beyond master classes: Other innovative opportunities for training in gerontechnology

Issue The founder of Gerontechnology have expounded a particular view of the field based on a matrix that in its time was highly innovative, bridging as it did Engineering, Architecture, the Health and Social Sciences. The offering of Master Classes was also innovative when first introduced. ISC Master Classes however are only offered sporadically -usually in conjunction with biennial world congresses. There is a need to expand training opportunities beyond ISG world conferences and to extend them geographically, taking advantage of the chapters that have emerged since the founding of the organization. Some of these are based on linguistic and/or cultural affinity rather than geography (e.g. Sinophone chapter; German speaking Austrian, Swiss, German chapter). There is also a need to go beyond the matrix to explore emerging issues, trends, and synergies. Content This Round Table will provide three examples of training programs that can serve as models for other chapters/venues. Structure Sixsmith will lead off with a description of the AGE-WELL Network's EPIC (Early Professionals. Inspired Careers) Research and Career Development Program. EPIC is designed, through experiential learning opportunities, to expose Highly Qualified Personnel (trainees, research staff, post-doctoral fellows and summer students) to multi-disciplinary research environments, industry, and community partners with the objective of development of skills, ideas, teamwork and relationship-building that are the building blocks of a successful career. He will also describe a five-day summer program focussed on technology and Innovation supporting the health of older people that is a collaboration between Simon Fraser University's STAR (Science and Technology for Aging Research) Institute and the Canadian Institute for Health Research Institute on Aging. Hsu will describe the Gerontechnology design school offered by Taiwan's Yuan Ze University. The name "d.school", borrowed from Stanford d.school, reflects the application of "design thinking" in the 18-hour design workshops that are the major teaching activities. During these workshops, students learn basic concepts in gerontechnology and design thinking, as well as gain practical experience in designing viable solutions that have the potential to be implemented by the companies they interact with. Kort will describe the Health and Engineering Summer School offered in Utrecht, the Netherlands which focuses on the built environment and servi