The question why we age and what we can do about it is as old as humanity. But recently scientists have begun to unravel the biological basis of aging with fascinating results, providing insight into how age-related diseases are influenced by life-style choices and medicine. But can aging itself become a therapeutic target? What are the recent key discoveries in biomedical aging research and what can we learn from them to live longer and healthier? How does the pharmaceutical industry position itself in light of aging societies? What are the breakthroughs on the horizon?

As part of the “Aging and Society” series organized by the University of Cologne New York Office and the German Center for Research and Innovation, a public panel discussion with German and American experts on the topic "Live Long and Prosper - Aging Research in Academia and Industry" will explore the current approaches and trends in academic research on aging as well as pharmaceutical R&D investments into new treatments of aging-related diseases.

Among the speakers at this event is Björn Schumacher, Ph.D., director of the Institute for Genome Stability in Ageing and Diseases (IGSAD) at CECAD Research Centre of the University of Cologne.

Schumacher received his PhD at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich and conducted his postdoctoral research as EMBO and Marie Curie fellow at the Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam. B.S. received the innovation prize of the State of Northrhine-Westphalia, the European Research Council (ERC) starting grant, and coordinated the FP7 Marie Curie initial training network on chronic DNA damage in ageing (CodeAge). Professor Schumacher is President of the German Society for Ageing Research (DGfA), Vice President of the German Society for DNA Repair (DGDR) and serves on several editorial boards. His research interest focuses on the molecular mechanisms through which DNA damage contributes to cancer development and ageing-associated diseases. Employing the C. elegans system and mammalian disease models, his group uncovered cell-autonomous and systemic responses through which the organism adapts to accumulating DNA damage with ageing. Through the understanding of the basic mechanisms of genome instability-driven ageing, Schumacher aims to contribute to the development of future strategies to prevent ageing-associated diseases.

Live Long and Prosper - Aging Research in Academia and Industry
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

with

Björn Schumacher, Ph.D.
Director of the Institute for Genome Stability in Aging and Disease, CECAD Cluster of Excellence, University of Cologne, President of the German Society for Aging Research (DGfA)

James Peyer, Ph.D.
Managing Partner, Apollo Ventures

Jan Vijg, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

moderated by

Molly MacLeod, Ph.D.
Senior Manager, Science Content, Communications,
Pfizer Worldwide Research & Development


Location:
German House 
871 United Nations Plaza 
New York 
NY 10017

Please RSVP by September 16. Registration is required to attend the panel discussion and the networking reception.

www.dwih-newyork.org
www.uni-koeln.de

About the University of Cologne

The University of Cologne was founded in 1388. It is one of the leading German research universities, offering an exceptionally diverse subject base. Key Profile Areas conduct internationally competitive research on highly topical scientific, technological and social issues, such as aging-associated diseases, behavioral economic engineering and social cognition, plant science, quantum matter and materials, and socio-economic, cultural and political transformations in the Global South. The University of Cologne is one of the 11 German Universities of Excellence. The University of Cologne’s New York Office cultivates relations with North American partner universities, organizes delegation visits, and serves as first point of contact for faculty, students, and other partners in the United States and Canada. It co-organizes the annual UoC summer school in New York, reaches out to German and international alumni, and offers researchers from the UoC platforms opportunities to network, present their scientific results, and initiate new collaborations in North America. 

About German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH)

The German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) provides information and support for the realization of cooperative and collaborative projects between North America and Germany. With the goal of enhancing communication on the critical challenges of the 21st century, DWIH hosts a wide range of events from lectures and exhibitions to workshops and science dinners. Opened in February 2010, the DWIH was created as a cornerstone of the German government’s initiative to internationalize science and research. It is one of five such centers worldwide.

Media Enquiries

Jarred Johnson
Communications Officer
German Center for Research and Innovation
871 United Nations Plaza
New York
NY 10017

+1 212 339 8680 ext. 302
johnsongermaninnovation.org

Dr. Eva Bosbach
Executive Director
University of Cologne New York Office
871 United Nations Plaza
New York
NY 10017

+1 212 758 5893
eva.bosbachuni-koeln.de