Optima Living has launched a PhD Graduate Award for Innovation in Seniors Living at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Nursing.

Each year, two $25,000 awards will be presented to students in the program who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and research potential. Preference will be given to candidates whose work focuses on digital health and artificial intelligence, healthy aging, or dementia care: areas critical to improving quality of life for older adults.

The award will be funded annually, representing a total investment of $250,000 over five years. It reflects the organization’s ongoing dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders and innovators.

The award also builds on an existing partnership between the organization and the University’s Department of Medicine, which focuses on advancing knowledge and best practices in aging and dementia care.

“Partnerships like this one with Optima Living help ensure our students’ research translates into real-world improvements for Alberta seniors,” said Dr. Shannon Scott, dean of the faculty of nursing. “Beyond research, this collaboration will provide valuable preceptorship opportunities for our students, bring Optima Living’s leaders into our classrooms, and foster ongoing collaborations that strengthen our capacity to care for Alberta’s aging population.”

The Faculty of Nursing will nominate candidates and the University’s Graduate Scholarship Committee will make the final selection. Students may be eligible to hold the award for up to four years, subject to continued academic progress and program eligibility.

“This award is an extension of Optima Living’s belief that excellence in seniors care begins with excellence in knowledge creation,” said Co-Founder and Principal Farid Damji. “By supporting PhD research in nursing and partnering with the University of Alberta, we’re helping shape the future of seniors care across Alberta.”