Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) – Public Engagement & Research; coordinated by TU Dublin and the ADAPT Centre
01/01/2025 – 31/12/2026
(24 months)
Age Friendly AI brings older adults, researchers, policymakers and industry together to shape artificial intelligence that supports healthy, dignified and independent living. It is a fully co-crerated AI literacy programme that develops practical methods for involving older people and caregivers in the full cycle of AI development, from identifying needs to testing and refining prototypes in real‑world contexts.
Working through a network of partners and community venues, the initiative pilots inclusive engagement formats, accessibility guidelines and feedback loops tailored to different abilities and digital literacies. This ensures that resulting tools and services reflect the lived experience of ageing and address concrete challenges such as mobility, communication, safety and social connection.
Stickydot leads the co‑evaluation across the programme. We co-created the evaluation framework and mixed‑methods approach that capture user experience, inclusion and impact, combining rapid feedback instruments with in‑depth qualitative analysis. This allows teams to learn continuously from participants and to iterate on concepts and prototypes with confidence.
We also facilitate peer learning among partners, translating insights into practical recommendations for design, ethics and implementation. By curating reflection sessions and accessible reporting, we help ensure that engagement findings inform both technical choices and service pathways, and that results can be scaled or transferred beyond the pilot settings.
In 2025, Age Friendly AI stages a nationwide conversation about artificial intelligence through Citizens’ Think‑Ins, local workshops and an open “AI Opinions” campaign. These activities will surface older adults’ hopes, concerns and lived experiences, giving them a strong voice in shaping how AI is developed and used.
In 2026, the programme will deliver an Age Friendly AI Roadshow in libraries and community venues across Ireland, offering hands‑on learning and friendly support. Together, these phases aim to advance digital inclusion, build confidence and skills among older adults, and create clearer pathways for public input to inform research, policy and service design.
“It is inspiring to contribute to a scientific research environment that remains anchored in the realities and interests of a variety of individuals. Collaborating with the public takes your scientific knowledge off the beaten track and challenges you to take a creative approach to your scientific practice. Go ahead: once you try participatory research, you won’t look back!”
At Stickydot, Florence provides support on citizen science and public engagement projects. Florence has been applying participatory approaches in the fields of environment and public health for over five years. She cares deeply about making every step of a scientific research project inclusive, creative and sustainable.
