Thanks to all the participants of the Longevity Nation conference, that took place on October 28-31, 2024, in Bar-Ilan University, Israel. Thanks for your participation and support of healthy longevity research, development and education in Israel and in cooperation with Israel!
The conference videos are available
The video links are collected at this videos and photos page of the conference site
In addition, in the same page you can find recordings and photos of the Longevity Nation 2023 conference, as well as recordings and photos of the International Perspectives on Geroscience conference that took place in Weizmann Institute in September 2019, that was also co-organized by Vetek Association, and where many of the speakers of the Longevity Nation conference also participated.
Right now, all the lectures of the Longevity Nation conference are available on YouTube, except for the BIRAX section (first half of October 30). The BIRAX lectures too should be available in a couple of days, on the same conference video page and in the same ILA YouTube channel.
One more bonus, here are summary videos of particular days¸ and a general summary video for all the 4 days of the conference
You are encouraged to share all this content – videos and photos – in your social media, to increase the educational impact of the conference!
Many thanks again! Looking forward to Longevity Nation 2025! The preparations have already started!
We are always grateful for donations that make this conference and our work possible! Thanks!
Longevity Nation conference – Enhancing research, development and education for healthy longevity, in Israel and in cooperation with Israel. Bar-Ilan University, Israel. October 28-31, 2024.
Bar-Ilan University hosted four-day international conference exploring the future of healthy longevity
Organized by Vetek (Seniority) Association – The Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life, Israel, and the Graduate Program in Science, Technology, and Society at Bar-Ilan University, in cooperation with American Federation for Aging Research, Biogerontology Research Foundation, International Longevity Alliance, British Council, and with the support of the Sagol Network, Shlomo Tyran Foundation, Joseph Gitarts Foundation, Deep Knowledge Group, Quadrascope and other organizations, the conference addressed the multifaceted challenges associated with an aging global population. Participants included leading researchers, developers, investors, educators, decision-makers, and public figures from Israel and around the world to foster collaboration and advance the science and technology of healthy longevity.
A question could be raised whether Israelis should we be thinking about the preservation of health in old age, the prevention of aging-related diseases, and the extension of healthy longevity, during this period of conflict and hardship in Israel. The conference participants emphasized that we should indeed continue to think about and work for healthy longevity even now, to improve national resilience that will help overcome the present adversity and maintain the basis for positive development in the future.
Key Highlights of Longevity Nation 2024 included:
Enhancing Longevity Ecosystems: The conference focused on developing Israel’s longevity ecosystem and promoting international cooperation, leveraging Israel’s strengths in science and technology to enhance its global standing in the field.
Cutting-Edge Research and Innovations: Presentations covered a range of topics including breakthroughs in aging science, geroprotective drugs, regenerative medicine, and advancements in longevity medicine.
Future Directions and Ethical Considerations: Discussions also addressed ethical considerations and the societal implications of extending healthy lifespan, including the need for interdisciplinary approaches and the importance of public and governmental support.
Notable speakers and topics included:
Israel can and should play a leading role in the international longevity field
Dr. Ilia Stambler (Chairman of Vetek Association and Chairman of the Longevity Nation conference) emphasized the interdisciplinary interrelations of science, technology and society in addressing the challenges of population aging. Building on Israel’s strengths in this area, he emphasized the need to help enhance the supportive longevity ecosystem in Israel, boost the prominence of the field in Israel and enhance Israel’s international standing and cooperation in the Longevity Field.
Repurposing Old Drugs for New Tricks
Dr. Nir Barzilai (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) focused on repurposing existing FDA-approved drugs for their potential anti-aging properties. One example is the diabetes drug metformin, which has been shown to provide broader health benefits, and potentially slowing the aging process itself.
Revitalizing the Immune System
Dr. Natalie Yivgi-Ohana, founder and CEO of Minovia Therapeutics, focused on revitalizing the immune system with young mitochondria. Her team has developed a scoring system to measure mitochondrial dysfunction in different populations and correlate it with age-related diseases.
Genome Stability and Aging
Prof. Björn Schumacher (University of Cologne) reported his research on the relationship between genome stability and aging. His research has uncovered the first master regulator of DNA repair capacities, suggesting that by boosting overall DNA repair, we could target the aging process at its fundamental root cause. Since human aging is greatly accelerated when DNA repair mechanisms are dysfunctional, this work proposes that enhancing our body’s ability to repair DNA damage could be a powerful approach to slowing the aging process.
Enhancing a Longevity Enzyme
Prof. Haim Cohen (Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University), reported his research on the protein SIRT6. In his lab, mice engineered to produce extra SIRT6 don’t just live longer – they stay healthier for longer, too. Cohen’s research is shedding light on how SIRT6 helps maintain healthy aging, particularly by providing the required energy at old age and slowing aging-related frailty. This work could pave the way for new therapies that boost SIRT6 activity in humans.
The Challenges of Radical Life Extension
While many researchers are optimistic about extending healthspan, Prof. S. Jay Olshansky (University of Illinois at Chicago) offered a cautionary perspective. His research suggests that radical life extension – dramatically increasing human lifespan – is implausible in this century, unless effective interventions into aging are rapidly developed. He advocates for a shift in focus from treating individual diseases to attacking the underlying risk factor for all fatal and disabling diseases – the biological process of aging itself.
A Novel Approach to Anti-Aging
Prof. Susan Greenfield, from Neuro-Bio in the UK, explored a unique angle in anti-aging research. Her work centers on the peptide T14, derived from acetylcholinesterase, which promotes cell growth and renewal. Interestingly, T14 levels decline with normal aging, as detected in various tissues and bodily fluids. Greenfield’s research suggests that maintaining a balance of T14 levels could be key to promoting healthy aging while avoiding potential negative effects of excessive levels.
Tackling Senescent Cells
Prof. Valery Krizhanovsky (Weizmann Institute of Science) addressed one of the hallmarks of aging: the accumulation of senescent cells. These cells, which stop dividing but don’t die off, can contribute to inflammation and tissue dysfunction as we age. Krizhanovsky’s team has discovered a mechanism that allows senescent cells to evade immune surveillance and accumulate in tissues.
Industry Transformation
The Longevity Industry is poised for significant growth and transformation, driven by new financial models, political recognition, practical applications, and global cooperation. Dmitry Kaminskiy (Deep Knowledge Group, Biogerontology Research Foundation, Longevity Industry Analytics) highlighted the tremendous transition the industry is about to undergo.
The need to enhance international cooperation
The conference is testament to the power of collaboration for a better future of humanity. In this period of conflict and hardship in Israel, many organizations from Israel and from abroad joined forces for the common humanitarian goal of preventing aging-related diseases and extending healthy longevity for all. These organizations include Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity of Life, Graduate Program in Science, Technology and Society of Bar-Ilan University, American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), Shlomo Tyran Foundation, Sagol Network, British Council, Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership on Ageing (BIRAX Ageing), Biogerontology Research Foundation (BGRF), International longevity Alliance (ILA) and many other organizations. Together they work to create communication and exchange platforms and grant support programs for research on healthy longevity, in Israel and via international cooperation with Israel, such as the emerging TABILI program – the American British Israeli Longevity Initiative, as well as cooperative research and education programs on healthy longevity between Israel and other countries.
This symposium is a part of our joint international mobility program (Korea-Israel-US) supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea on the subject of “Convergence Research Exchange for Antiaging, Drug, and Microbiome”.
The participants of this project are teams from the College of Pharmacy, Hanyang University (ERICA) in the Republic of Korea (led by Prof. Hye Hyun Yoo, with the support of Prof. Ji-Young Oh), Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the US (led by Prof. Nir Barzilai) and Bar-Ilan University in Israel (led by Prof. Haim Cohen, with the support of Dr. Ilia Stambler of Vetek Association and Bar Ilan University Graduate Program in Science, Technology and Society).
It is good to see the reports about our 2024 Korea-Israel-USA Joint Symposium “AdaM: Antiaging, Drug and Microbiome” (9-10 September 2024) in Korean newspapers:
Vetek association, together with partners organizes a series of community meetups for the longevity community. To simplify the organization and disseminations, this landing page will include the announcements and registration links to the current and upcoming Longevity Israel Meetups.
The next one will take place on October 1 (Registration, details are below)
Longevity Israel Meetup Tuesday, October 1 – “International Longevity Day” 17:00-20:00
Join us for an enlightening evening delving into the frontiers of healthy longevity research, development, education and advocacy, featuring esteemed speakers who are pioneering advancements in the field.
October 1 marks the International Longevity Day campaign, when longevity researchers and advocates from around the world organize events and publications to express their solidary and support for the cause of healthy longevity. So will we.
Agenda
17.00-17.30 – Gathering in front of the building (Tuval 5) for a show of support (group photo) for the Longevity Day campaign.
17.30-18.00 – Mingling and Networking
18.00-18.15 –Ilia Stambler. Chairman. Vetek Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life
18.15-18.30 – Hanan Tal. CEO. Vetek Association – The Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life.
18.30-18.45 – Adam Gries. Vitalism Foundation (online)
18.45-19.00 – Ian Inkster. Biogerontology Research Foundation. Longevity Industry Ecosystem in Israel IT platform (online)
19.00-19.30 – Longevity Unconference. Short talks (up to 5 minutes) by participants. Suggest topics in advance in the registration form below.
19.30-20.00 – Continued Networking and Discussions
We would like to extend our invitation to you to attend the conference entitled “Longevity Nation 2024 – Enhancing Research, Development and Education for Healthy Longevity” that will take place in Bar-Ilan University (Nanotechnology Building 206), Ramat Gan, Israel, on October 28-31, 2024. The conference is organized by Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life, Israel, in partnership with American Federation for Aging Research, Biogerontology Research Foundation, International Longevity Alliance and other partners.
This conference will explore the interdisciplinary interrelations of science, technology and society in addressing the challenges of population aging. By bringing together leading Israeli and international voices in the longevity space – researchers, developers, investors, educators and public figures – the Longevity Nation conference will strongly contribute to increasing the synergy of science, technology and aging society, and help advance ethical scientific and technological solutions for healthy longevity for the benefit of the entire society. Building on Israel’s strengths in this area, this conference will help build the supportive longevity ecosystem in Israel, boost the prominence of the field in Israel and enhance Israel’s international standing and cooperation in the Longevity Field.
Further to enhance Israel’s Longevity Ecosystem, in conjunction with the Longevity Nation conference, the new Longevity Industry Ecosystem in Israel IT platform was created by Aging Analytics Agency, together with Vetek (Seniority) Association, Biogerontology Research Foundation and other partners. Welcome to the platform! Thanks to all the involved!
Welcome to register for the conference in the link below, either for physical or online attendance. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Attendance is free, but we are grateful for your support, using the donation options mentioned in the conference Registration and Donation page:
As this conference’s main aim is to stimulate healthy longevity research, development and education in Israel, young Israeli longevity researchers and research students are invited to submit abstract proposals for Poster Presentations at the conference, relating to the themes of the conference. Upon acceptance of the abstract proposals and the presentation of the posters at the conference, the best posters will be awarded a number of “Longevity Aspiration Prizes”. Details are in the link below:
Looking forward to seeing you at the conference and joining forces for the promotion of healthy longevity research, development and education in Israel and in cooperation with Israel. Grateful for spreading the world about the conference and related activities among colleagues!
Sincerely,
Ilia Stambler, PhD
Chairman of Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life, Israel (the main organizer of this conference).
Tel Aviv, Israel, July 23, 2024 – Today, Israel cements its position as a global frontrunner in longevity industrialization with the launch of the Longevity Ecosystem in Israel Platform. https://www.longevityisrael.info/
This state-of-the-art platform, backed by over 150,000 data points, exemplifies Israel’s extraordinary 14-fold industry growth since 2019, showcasing Israel’s status as a fast-growing international hub of Longevity Science, Industry, Medicine, and Policy.
Developed by Aging Analytics Agency in collaboration with Longevity International and with the support of Deep Knowledge Group, Vetek (Seniority) Association, ATLAS, and the Biogerontology Research Foundation, as a follow-up to their 2023 platform and initial 2019 Longevity Industry in Israel report, this platform serves as a comprehensive, centralized resource for the Israel Longevity Ecosystem across science, medicine, industry and policy.
Providing detailed insights and a variety of new platform components from interactive GeoMaps, dashboard analytics, a knowledge hub and more, the platform serves as the most comprehensive centralised resource for learning more about, and getting involved with, Israel’s burgeoning Longevity Industry ecosystem.
Key Features of the Longevity Ecosystem in Israel Platform:
Comprehensive Data Visualization: Advanced visual insights illustrating the dynamic growth and trends within Israel’s longevity sector over the past five years.
Influential Leadership Profiles: Detailed profiles of 170 key influencers driving advancements in Israeli longevity research and development.
Extensive Organizational Data: Interactive ecosystem maps, databases, and profiles of 2430 Companies (compared to 1000 in 2023), 2550 Investors (680 in 2023) and 20 Hubs mapped across 25 industry sectors
Advanced Analytical Tools: Sophisticated tools for in-depth industry analysis and strategic decision-making.
The Longevity Ecosystem in Israel Platform is being launched in conjunction with the upcoming Longevity Nation Conference 2024https://longevitynation.org/ organized by Vetek (Seniroty) Associaiton in Israel, in cooperation with American Federation for Aging Research, Biogerontology Research Foundation and other partners, to be held in Bar-Ilan University in Israel on 28-31 October. This event will be a pivotal gathering for leaders, researchers, and enthusiasts in the field of longevity science, aiming to advance healthy longevity through groundbreaking research, innovative therapies, and forward-thinking public health policies.
The conference will bring together many renowned thought leaders across Longevity science, industry, medicine and policy, including Nir Barzilai, Richard Faragher, Susan Greenfield, Ilia Stambler, S. Jay Olshansky, Dmitry Kaminskiy, Evelyne Bischof, and many more.
Among the central aims of the conference is the advancement of international cooperation in the healthy longevity field.
Now, exactly 4 months before the Longevity Nation conference that will take place on October 28-31, in Bar-Ilan University, Israel – we intensify the publicity of this event and invite you to join and participate! https://longevitynation.org/ An outstanding cohort of world leading researchers, developers and advocates in the healthy longevity field have confirmed their participation (the list is to be expanded). https://longevitynation.org/ This will be a unique opportunity to enhance the presence and cooperation in the longevity field, in Israel and internationally. Welcome to register (the attendance is free, but registration is required). https://longevitynation.org/register-and-donate/
And grateful for your support of the conference! The conference attendance is free, but in order to make it free (which is particularly important in this period in Israel) – we are grateful for support. It is possible to donate to the conference and associated cooperation in the US via American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) who is a conference partner – with tax benefits for donors in the US https://www.afar.org/longevitynation
And in Israel via Vetek Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life (the main organizer of this conference) – with tax benefits for donors in Israel https://www.longevityisrael.org/donate/ (also via PayPal) paypal.me/veteklongevity The donation details can also be found at the conference registration page: https://longevitynation.org/register-and-donate/ Looking forward to the conference, that will be the only large-scale international longevity conference in Israel this year, and will play a significant role for the promotion of research, development and education for healthy longevity in Israel and in cooperation with Israel. Thanks to the speakers and partners! And thanks for spreading the word!
The dates are set for the next Longevity Nation conference.
It will take place on October 28-31, 2024, in Bar-Ilan University, Israel.
The conference is organized by Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life, Israel, in cooperation with the department of Science, Technology and Society of Bar-Ilan University and other allied organizations.
A stellar cohort of world-renowned speakers have confirmed their presentations. More world-leading scientists, developers and other key figures in the longevity field are expected to join as speakers.
The conference will be mainly physical, yet it will also be possible to attend online.
Security concerns are understandable. We are optimistic the security situation will hopefully allow us to conduct the conference in complete safety. If the Israeli universities are open, the conference will take place on the spot. If the universities are closed, the conference will be moved online. We will adjust the planning according to the situation.
In any case, the conference will take place, to sustain, encourage and further develop the field of healthy longevity research, development and education in Israel and in cooperation with Israel!
To encourage and facilitate the participation and networking in the field, especially for young researchers and students, especially in this period, it was decided to make this conference free to attend, subject to registration.
Yet, we are grateful for support of the activities of our non-profit Vetek (Seniority) Association that promotes research, development and education for healthy longevity in Israel and in cooperation with Israel, including organizing this conference.
One can donate to the Vetek (Seniority) Association using the same link.
This conference is expected to reinforce the resilience of the healthy longevity field in Israel, and strengthen the cooperation in the healthy longevity field within Israel and in cooperation between Israel and other countries.
Very sad to have just learned of the tragic death in battle of Joseph Gitarts, our co-author in several papers on modeling aging and longevity. Joseph showed a brilliant promise to advance the goal of healthy longevity for all. This promise was killed by the terrorists, as they have killed much of the future of human longevity and well-being, not only in Israel. Hopefully the better future will prevail.
And some words from Joseph about our joint projects: “It was a pleasure to contribute to a body of work that brings together healthcare and technology. It is a stepping stone on the path towards a future where we realize the potential of modern technology to significantly enhance the quality of life for all of humanity. 🚀”
May his memory be a blessing.
From his collaborator: Ilia Stambler
His works:
David Blokh, *Joseph Gitarts*, Eliyahu H. Mizrahi, Nadya Kagansky, Ilia Stambler. The utility of information theory based methods in the research of aging and longevity. In: Artificial Intelligence for Healthy Longevity. Book series Healthy Ageing and Longevity. Springer Nature, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35176-1_12
David Blokh, *Joseph Gitarts*, Ilia Stambler I. An information-theoretical analysis of gene nucleotide sequence structuredness for a selection of aging and cancer-related genes. Genomics & Informatics, 18(4), e41, 2020. https://doi.org/10.5808/GI.2020.18.4.e41
David Blokh, Ilia Stambler, *Joseph Gitarts*, Erica Pinco, Eliyahu Mizrahi. Information-theoretical analysis of blood biomarkers for age-related hip fracture risk evaluation. Applied Medical Informatics, 43(1), 14-23, 2021 https://ami.info.umfcluj.ro/index.php/AMI/article/view/797
אחרי מאמצים רבים, העמותה שלנו, עמותת “ותק – התנועה לאיכות ואריכות חיים” (ע”ר) קיבלה אישור מס הכנסה לעניין תרומות לפי סעיף 46 לפקודת מס הכנסה. בהתאם לכך, התרומות לעמותה יקנו לתורם זיכוי מהמס שהוא חייב בו לפי האמור בסעיף זה. נפעל כדי לגייס משאבים לקידום אריכות חיים בריאים ומניעת מחלות זקנה. https://www.longevityisrael.org/donate
After much effort, our Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life (Israel) has received the Israeli income tax approval for donations according to Article 46 of the Ordinance. Accordingly, the donations to the Vetek Association will give the donor a tax deduction, in accordance to this Article.
