DRNI’s Researcher in Focus for December 2024 is Vamsi Krishna Boyanagari, who

is a PhD researcher at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, University of Galway. 

What is your area of research?

I am a PhD researcher with the HOMEDEM Doctoral Training Network, focusing on the economics of dementia care in Ireland. My research examines how design and technology can enhance autonomy for people living with dementia at home, along with the resource implications. I also study public attitudes and willingness to pay for new dementia care models using a discrete choice experiment. With a background in Public Health, Global Ageing and Policy, and Health Economics, I approach dementia care from a holistic, evidence-based perspective. My work is based at the Irish Centre for Social Gerontology, J.E. Cairnes School of Business & Economics, University of Galway, supported by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks.

What made you interested in this area?

I have always been deeply interested in the intersection of ageing and economics, which led me to focus on dementia care. Understanding how new models of dementia care can be supported by the public is crucial for their success and sustainability. Any program or intervention designed to improve the lives of people must not only address their needs but also gain public acceptability. This is why my research emphasises exploring the general public's willingness to pay for innovative care models, including their openness to additional taxes. These insights are important to designing sustainable, person-centred solutions that can be effectively integrated into broader societal and economic frameworks.

What impact would you like your research to have?

I hope my research contributes to developing sustainable and person-centred models of dementia care that enhance the autonomy and quality of life for people living with dementia. By understanding public willingness to support these models, I aim to provide insights that help shape policies and programs that are both effective and widely accepted.

Who has helped or inspired you in your area of research?

I am greatly inspired by the work of my supervisors, Dr. Sharon Walsh and Prof. Eamon O'Shea in the fields of economics, dementia care, policy, and discrete choice experiments which have been key in shaping my research. Beyond inspiring my interest in this area, they have also been instrumental in helping me develop essential research skills, including academic writing, presenting, and networking. Their guidance and support have been invaluable in refining my approach and advancing my PhD work.

What current research are you most excited about (your own, or that of others)?

At the moment, I am enjoying working on the comparative part of my research, which looks at national dementia policies across Europe. I am particularly interested in how autonomy and independent living is defined in these policies and how they are supported through home design and technology. Also, I am excited about my Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) survey and the process of designing one.

What do you do when you are not working?

I usually love to spend time with my family. If I get any chance, I take my little son out to the Pier at Oughterard, where we watch the birds and do some rock hunting. I also enjoy cooking Indian cuisines and trying out new recipes, which act as my stress busters.

What is your favourite pastime?

I love to explore new places and meet new people. In my pastime, I enjoy getting into some art. Sometimes, I sketch or paint, and other times, I create pebble art. I believe that it is a wonderful way to relax and express my creativity.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

The best piece of advice I ever received was from my late Dad. He always told me, "Enjoy what you are doing, forget about the result. Enjoy the process, not the outcome." Along with that, he also advised, "Live in the moment; there's no point in worrying about the past or overthinking about the future." These two simple mantras have shaped the way I approach life, helping me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

Contact Details:

E-mail: Vamsikrishna.boyanagari@universityofgalway.ie

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkboyanagari/

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Vamsi-Boyanagari

x.com: https://x.com/vamsibkrishna

website: https://www.homedem.eu/