Anna Urbaniak

Bio:

I’m a professor of sociology at Jagiellonian University, with a research focus on ageing, care, and social inclusion. My work explores how participatory approaches can empower older adults and reframe narratives around ageing in diverse cultural contexts.

Grant supported actions and initiatives:

Through the support of a Dissemination Conference Grant, I was able to present the collective work of PAAR-Net at the International Sociological Forum, held in July 2025 in Rabat, Morocco. This included showcasing the role of participatory methods in ageing research across Europe and beyond. The conference also provided an opportunity to engage with a global community of sociologists, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly with researchers and practitioners working in African and Middle Eastern contexts.

Testimonial:

The Dissemination Conference Grant gave me a valuable opportunity to represent PAAR-Net at a high-level international forum and share our progress with a wider sociological community. Presenting our work in Morocco not only increased the visibility of the Action but also sparked meaningful discussions with researchers from other world regions who are working on similar themes in ageing and participation. These interactions opened up exciting possibilities for future collaboration and helped contextualise PAAR-Net’s goals within a truly global framework. I’m grateful to PAAR-Net for this support—it was an inspiring and energising experience!