Industry leader appointed to head innovation for an ageing population Published on: 5 October 2017 Professor Michael Catt has been appointed as the new Director of the National Innovation Centre for Ageing. The former head of the ‘Healthy Ageing’ programme at Unilever’s Corporate Research Laboratory has provided strategic research and development contributions to multinationals, SMEs and start-up businesses engaged in improving health and wellbeing. He now brings his expertise to the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, which focuses on innovations to improve health and wellbeing through life. He is a member of the senior leadership team for the National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory at Âé¶¹´«Ã½ and a Professor of Practice in Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s Faculty of Medicine. said: “I am delighted to be joining the National Innovation Centre for Ageing driving research and development into one of the most crucial global challenges facing the world today; how to help our ageing populations live better for longer and maintain independence in later life. “The National Centre will play a pivotal role in enabling the development of innovations which enhance healthy ageing and generate significant benefits for the North East and national economy, establishing the UK as a world-leader in ageing innovation.” National Innovation Centre for Ageing Jointly funded by the Medical Research Council and Âé¶¹´«Ã½, the (NICA) was established last year to work across academia, industry and the public to explore, test and bring to market products which promote healthy ageing and wellbeing as we grow older. To find out more about the work and discuss business opportunities contact NICA. The Centre will move into a new £50m national innovation centre in 2020 based at the heart of the innovation quarter at Science Central in Âé¶¹´«Ã½, UK. The £350 million flagship project is bringing together academia, the public sector, communities, business and industry. Latest News Local knowledge can improve early warnings of glacial lake floods Local knowledge, improved evacuation preparedness and resilient mobile phone-based communication channels can enhance Early Warning Systems to reduce loss of life during glacial lake outburst floods. published on: 3 August 2026 Funding boost moves landmark cancer research centre a step closer A £1.25 million grant from the Wolfson Foundation to Âé¶¹´«Ã½ has brought the Sir Bobby Robson Institute a significant step closer, giving a major boost to its fundraising campaign. published on: 3 August 2026 Statement on potential unauthorised data access Information about a potential unauthorised data access. published on: 30 July 2026 Facts and figures