Institution news
Nina Oakes has always loved engineering, growing up with Lego, learning how things work and how to build them before studying mechanical engineering at the University of Sussex. Now, Nina works for Alzheimer’s Society after a 20 year career in engineering working in everything from manufacturing to process improvement.
“I wanted to have more of an impact with my skills, and was really keen to join the charity sector,” she says. “Alzheimer's Society was just kicking off its innovation programme at that time, and my role is a new role, so it is really exciting to be able to use the skills that I have to bring a logical approach to innovation and have a really big impact.”
And the scale of the impact that this project can have is not lost on Nina. Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia, and her team is working to make life better for every one of those people affected by dementia.
“The barriers these people face are huge, and the area is really underfunded,” she says. “Having met some people affected by dementia and how it impacts on them, and also their family and friends, I can really see the impact we can have.
“What I like about this role is that the remit of my team is to work on projects that will improve the life of people affected by dementia. It is as simple and as wide as that, so I felt I could have a really big impact and make a real difference for the 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia.”
Most recently, Nina has overseen the launch of the Alzheimer's Society Accelerator Programme, which will provide grants of up to £100,000 and a year with a buddy innovator to guide people through the innovation process.
“A key part of our process is that the innovation will be co-designed with people living with dementia, who will work with the innovation team to help them develop their product or service,” she sa. “That will really help people on our accelerator programme to understand the wide spectrum of issues facing people affected by dementia.”
Nina urges any engineer with an idea to get involved in the programme – the application is just a short online form and a two minute video – it gives people an opportunity to make a real difference for thousands of people across the UK.
“Taking part in this programme can help you have a big impact on society. You get to work with experts in innovation that will bring a different point of view to your project, as well as people living with dementia, all with the support of the Alzheimer's Society, to help you get your product to the right place and in front of the right audience.”
Anyone interested in the programme can visit the accelerator programme website for further information.