Professor Richard Ward

Professor of Dementia, Ageing, Community

Dementia and Ageing Colin Bell Building, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA

Professor Richard Ward

About me

I am a Professor in Dementia Studies in the Faculty of Social Sciences, and a registered social worker with a background working with older people and people living with dementia. As such, I have a long-standing interest in social care practice and the evolving landscape of dementia care.  Much of my research is participatory, exploring how innovative approaches can enable more supportive research relationships. My PhD investigated gender relations in dementia care settings using discourse analysis and theory. I subsequently spent time studying age discrimination, including intersections of sexuality, gender and ageing. I was awarded funding under the ESRC Future Leaders programme to explore body work in dementia care with a focus on hairdressing, appearance-related care, image and identity. Current interests focus on dementia and place, I'm leading an international study exploring experiences of community living with dementia and how this can inform policy and community development. I am co-founder of the Critical Dementia Studies Network and am co-lead of 'Our Connected Neighbourhood'; a knowledge partnership spearheading dementia-enabling community development across the Stirling region.

Research programmes

Research centres/groups

Research themes