Over the last 60 years the global average life expectancy increased more than 20 years, partly as a result of countless medical breakthroughs. However, most of the these medical interventions address the symptoms rather than the causes of age associated diseases. Scientists in the School of Biological Sciences are combining their world leading expertise to tackle some of the biggest questions in human biology: What if we could identify those at risk of developing chronic age-related conditions before they present in the clinic? What if we could intervene before any symptoms arise and prevent disease onset? These changes would revolutionise healthcare and transform our twilight years into a healthy period of our lives.
Collaboration and Engagement
To explore synergies and collaborative opportunities in the area of healthy ageing, the Reproduction, Development and Lifelong Health Research Theme are facilitating workshops and meetings for scientific colleagues, industry partners and policy-makers.
The kick-off meeting in June 2022 brought together speakers and attendees from 12 Departments and Institutes: Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Babraham Institute, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Zoology, MRC Toxicology Unit, Gurdon Institute, Psychology and Veterinary Medicine, discussing questions surrounding early identification of those at risk from chronic age-related conditions, intervention before initiation of symptoms and prevention of disease onset.
A second meeting took place in January 2023, organised in collaboration with Altos Labs continued to explore opportunities and innovations to extend healthy lifespan.
Key Collaborators
Catherine Aiken, Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Srinjan Basu, Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
Guy Brown, Biochemistry
Kevin Chalut, Altos Labs
Della David, Babraham Institute
Dino Giussani, Physiology, Development and Neuroscience
Laura Itzhaki, Pharmacology
Walid Khaled, Pharmacology / Cambridge Stem Cell Institute
Matthias Landgraf, Zoology
Delphine Larrieu, Pharmacology
Catherine Lindon, Pharmacology
Kiran Patil, MRC Toxicology Unit
Emma Rawlins, Gurdon Institute
Jon Simons, Psychology
Ewan St. John Smith, Pharmacology
Tim Weil, Zoology
Catherine Wilson, Pharmacology
Work with us
We welcome opportunities to collaborate with industry partners, policy makers and academics. If you are interested in working with us, please contact Dr Abi Herrmann, Research Strategy Manager.