Over 25 Experts Convene to Address Aging as root cause of Chronic Diseases
Khalifa University of Science and Technology continues to play a vital role in advancing research and education in the fields of life sciences, genetics, and health and longevity, contributing to the global dialogue on improving health outcomes, said Prof. Habiba Alsafar, Conference Chair and Dean, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, as the second edition of the Healthy Longevity Symposium opened in Abu Dhabi today.
Organized by Khalifa University and supported by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Department of Community Development, the Second Healthy Longevity Symposium brought together more than 25 leading experts for 12 insightful sessions, including a panel discussion, focused on the science of healthy aging and personalized wellness.
The two-day scientific symposium that runs until 22 November 2024 focuses on offering new strategies to slow age-related diseases, enhance well-being and promote longevity. The day commenced with welcome remarks from His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, and Prof. Habiba Alsafar. Her Excellency Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, attended the symposium alongside H.E Dr. Rashed Alsuwaidi, Executive Director of Healthcare Workforce Planning Sector, H.E Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Healthcare Facilities Sector, DoH, and H.E. Dr. Ahmed AlKhazraji, Acting Director-General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Center.
H.E. Samar Almansoori, Senior Vice-President, Support Services, Khalifa University and H.E. Amal Nasser Al Jaberi, CEO, Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) also attended.
Prof. Habiba Alsafar said: “Khalifa University is committed to establishing Abu Dhabi as a global leader in aging research and health innovation and the second edition of this symposium serves as a vital platform for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and healthcare professionals. The Symposium not only serves as a platform for sharing knowledge but also fosters the next generation of research through abstract presentations by emerging scholars.”
H.E. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, said: “Longevity is about empowering our community to live healthier, more vibrant lives. In Abu Dhabi, we are transforming healthcare with a proactive, preventive approach that puts patients at the heart of our strategy. The recent introduction of a groundbreaking regulatory framework and standards for the establishment of Healthy Longevity Medicine Centres in the Emirate aims at promoting wellness, disease prevention and longevity. We are prioritising personalised care to enhance the patient experience with treatments that meet individual needs. This initiative further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading health destination globally, reinforcing our commitment to creating a healthier future for generations to come.”
The theme of this symposium reflects the goal to improve the quality of life as we age. The Sessions included Dr. Alya Almulla who discussed the intersection of healthy longevity and public policy, and Dr. Nicole Sirotin who is the chief Excutive Officer at the Institute for Healthy living Abu Dhabi and presented on ‘Designing Health Policies: The Role of Healthy Longevity in Shaping Future Care’. Notable plenary speaker such as Professor George Malliaras from the University of Cambridge presented on ‘Bioelectronic Medicine – Current Status and Future Directions’, while Professor Joyce Harper from University College London explored embracing age through personal narratives.
Talks also covered Cellular Senescence and the Skeleton by Professor Mustapha Kassem from Khalifa University, Stem Cell-Based Therapy of Ovarian Aging by Professor Ayman Al-Hendy from the University of Chicago, and Engineering Biology for Human Health and Longevity by Professor Barry Merriman from UCLA. Other discussions focused on advances in genomic technologies, personalized nutrition, and the clinical factors affecting aging, culminating in a judging event for abstract presentations.
The second day will have keynote on The Role of Mitochondrial inflammation, and engaging sessions including Artificial Intelligence /Machine Learning in Brain Aging as well as an Award Ceremony.
