'I went in feeling like a student and came out feeling like a researcher'. An evaluation of the first Australian Masterclass for Emerging Researchers in Ageing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess how well the 2008 Masterclass for Emerging Researchers in Ageing (ERA) increased capacity for building careers in ageing research in Australia.

METHODS: Twenty-six delegates rated 13 career-development activities for (i) the importance of each to their future careers and (ii) their perceived competence in each, before and after the Masterclass. Further qualitative feedback was collected at programme conclusion.

RESULTS: Publishing research and working on large-scale, collaborative research projects were rated significantly more important after the Masterclass. Delegates' competence in 11 of the 13 activities increased significantly, as did averaged overall competence. Qualitative data analysis indicated the Masterclass was particularly valued for networking opportunities and for providing access to senior people in the field.

CONCLUSIONS: This inaugural ERA Masterclass assisted emerging researchers in ageing to develop capacity in career development activities. These outcomes have important implications for building research capacity in ageing in Australia.