In June 2000, Professor Hawkins coordinated the start of a multi-country collaborative project, the Global Ageing Initiative ("ageing" is the international spelling form of the word), which during its Third Working Conference in Ancona, Italy, changed its name to the Global Ageing Research Network (GARNet). This collaborative network of researchers will complete Phase One of pioneering research to develop an index for "ageing well" with an accompanying measurement model. A multi-nation study on ageing well and adult well-being is producing important evidence and information to guide policy reviews and developments to support ageing well systems, communities, and personal behaviors.

During 2003-04, the development of a direct observation system to assess environmental design and measure level of physical activity by older adults - Systematic Observation of Older Adult Physical Activity (SOAPA) was undertaken in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association. SOAPA coupled with additional established instruments will provide the basis for national baseline and tracking data on outcomes associated with physically active lifestyles and positive health outcomes among older adults who are engaged in community recreation and park programs and facilities. This system will serve as a "gold standard" measurement procedure for evaluating quality practices in a wide range of community recreation and senior use environments.

In partnership with Dr. Lesa Lorenzen Huber, Professor Hawkins is involved in a three year project, GET LINKS, funded by the Fund for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE), US Department of Education. GET LINKS has enabled Indiana University - Center on Aging and Aged faculty to develop and implement of a series of distance education modules in basic and applied gerontology for students and professionals involved in the care and service of the rapidly growing older adult population. These Web, CD-ROM, and audio-visual media supported modules are designed to improve and assess competency through integrating interactive learning activities (i.e., case studies, instructor participation in model sites, and collaborative learning communities to enhance motivation and completion) with a thorough assessment of learner needs and outcomes.

During her leisure time Barbara likes to spend time with her family, snow ski (she is a Certified Professional Ski Instructor on the Ski School staff at Ski Paoli Peaks), garden, bicycle, exercise, sailboard, read, and take walks with her dog Lucky.