The average age of the global population is increasing as a result of improved access to healthcare and changes in lifestyle. But, as life expectancy continues to increase, so too do the personal, socio-economic and financial burden of ageing-related diseases. Old age is the greatest risk factor for a number of chronic, progressive diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer and neuro-degeneration. Over the past two decades, our understanding of the mechanisms of ageing at the molecular, cellular and organismal level has increased substantially. This improved knowledge now provides a realistic opportunity for us to intervene with the ageing process and to prevent or delay the onset of ageing-associated disorders through lifestyle modification and/or pharmacological and therapeutic interventions.

This conference brings together experts from diverse fields of research that explore the mechanisms of ageing and rejuvenation, from the perspective of genetics and epigenetics, cellular quality control and
senescence, stem cells, metabolism and brain function. The aim of the conference is to foster interactions and stimulate discussion of recent and unpublished advances in our understanding of the ageing process, and to explore new therapeutic opportunities for the rejuvenation and
preservation of organs and tissues to extend health span.