Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Geroscience is at the forefront of aging research. The field of geroscience research realizes that as one gets older, so does one's likelihood of having chronic diseases and health conditions. As such, research in the field is focused on finding ways to slow down aging to prevent and/or delay the onset of many chronic diseases and health conditions. Many countries around the world are moving ahead with geroscience clinical trials research. To maintain and improve progress in aging research, Canada needs to establish a cooperative approach to geroscience that ensures Canadian scientists, as well as funding and regulatory bodies, are prepared to promote advances in the field. We propose to hold the first ever Canadian Geroscience Summit to: 1) to determine the state of geroscience in Canada and around the World; 2) to explore the ethical and societal implications of advancing geroscience research; and 3) to foster future national and international collaboration by creating forums for the advancement of geroscience research including the creation of a Canadian Geroscience Clinical Trials Group. During this full-day, in-person and online event attendees will have the opportunity to engage with leaders in the field, participate in small group discussions, and contribute to action planning that will inform the future of geroscience research. Speakers will be chosen based on their expertise. The expected outcomes are a rapid review of the state of geroscience, increased awareness of the opportunities and challenges in the field of geroscience, interaction among disciplines/fields, partnership development, and an actionable plan to support geroscience research advancement in Canada. We will publish the proceedings of the Summit to make them publicly accessible.