In 2025, Vetek Association is a founding partner in organizing several international conferences. In addition to the main longevity event in Israel – the Longevity Nation conference that will take place in Bar-Ilan University, on October 28-29 https://longevitynation.org/ Registration https://longevitynation.org/register-and-donate/
in May, there will take place significant longevity conferences, with a strong participation of Vetek Association, including:
Sheba Longevity conference on May 7-8, where a representative of Vetek association will present on “Longevity landscape in Israel” and lead a panel on “Longevity Innovation in Israel”
And a satellite event on healthy longevity research, development and education at the Biomed Israel conference in Tel Aviv, on May 21, organized by Vetek association
May 2025 is a special month in longevity research history – the 180th anniversary of the founder of Gerontology – Elie Metchnikoff (15 May 1845 – 15 July 1916), which Vetek association also marks and promotes.
For Vetek association, the events in May are in the preparation for the main event organized by the Vetek association – the Longevity Nation conference, on October 28-29, in Bar-Ilan University
Happy to bring to your attention that the Israel Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has just published a national call for research proposals, including the subject of “healthy aging”. The subject of healthy aging was included in a large measure thanks to the promotional and educational efforts, also by Vetek (Seniority) Association – the Movement for Longevity and Quality of Life.
We will continue these promotional efforts for healthy longevity research, development and education and will continue to bring developments to your attention.
As the call for research proposals is intended for Israeli researchers, the details of the call are included below in Hebrew (translatable).
Hopefully, there will be established more funding sources for the vital field of healthy longevity research. In the name of Vetek Association, we will continue to work to promote the establishment of such funding sources and their dissemination.
אני שמח להביא לתשומת ליבכם כי כעת משרד החדשנות, המדע והטכנולוגיה פרסם קול קורא להגשת קדם-הצעות מחקר לשנת 2025.
זה מעודד ומשמח מאד לראות כי הנושא של “הזדקנות בריאה” נכלל בקול הקורא בין הנושאים שימומנו.
וזה משמח ומעודד עוד יותר כי הנושא נכלל גם בזכות הקידום והמאמץ ההסברתי הקודם, גם בהשתתפות עמותת “ותק – התנועה לאיכות ואריכות חיים”.
בקול הקורא, בקטגוריה של “הזדקנות בריאה”, יושם דגש על אביזרים רפואיים, אלגוריתמים וטכניקות חישוב ומדידה, סנסורים. קול קורא זה אינו כולל מחקר בסיסי וחקר מנגנונים או זיהוי ראשוני של מחלות.
בקול קורא זה, מדובר בתקציב הכולל של עד 45 מיליון ₪, כאשר התקציב המרבי לכל הצעה בכל התחומים הוא עד 500000 ₪ לתקופה של שלוש שנים.
היות והתקציב הכללי הוא לכל התחומים, החלק שיתמוך בפועל בחקר ההזדקנות יהיה תלוי במספר הצעות בתחום. אך כמובן שגם נושאים משיקים, בפרט בקטגוריות של בריאות ורפואה, וביוקונברג’נס, יכולים לקדם את המחקר לאריכות חיים בריאים.
על החוקרים להגיש את קדם ההצעות עד 12 בפברואר 2025. כל הפרטים בקישור להלן.
בהצלחה למגישים! ונקווה ליצירת מקורות מימון נוספים לתחום החיוני של חקר ההזדקנות ואריכות חיים בריאים, בישראל ובשיתוף פעולה עם ישראל. ובשם עמותת “ותק – התנועה לאיכות ואריכות חיים”, גם נמשיך לפעול לקידום יצירת מקורות מימון כאלה ולהרחבת ההשתתפות בהם.
בקרוב צפויים להתפרסם עוד קולות קוראים למחקר בתחום ההזדקנות ואריכות חיים בריאים, ו-או בתחומים המשיקים לחקר ההזדקנות. נשמח לעדכן ולמשוך את תשומת ליבכם לכך. אתם גם מוזמנים להתעדכן באתר ובמדיה החברתית של עמותת “ותק”.
וכדי להגביר את התמיכה בתחום אריכות חיים בריאים, חשוב להמשיך ולהגביר את המודעות לחשיבות התחום, להמשיך ולבנות את הקהילה המחקרית, החברתית, והמדינית שתומכת בתחום. לצורך כך עמותת “ותק” תקיים כנס בינלאומי 2025 LONGEVITY NATION לקידום אריכות חיים בריאים באוניברסיטת בר-אילן ב-28-29 באוקטובר 2025. בחודשים הקרובים גם נקיים סדרה של מפגשים קהילתיים בנושאים שונים שבתחום הלונג’ביטי. ניתן להתעדכן באתרים ובמדיה החברתית של הכנס ושל העמותה.
שיתקיים באותו מקום כמו הכנס הקודם, באוניברסיטת בר-אילן, אולם ננו, ב-28-29 באוקטובר 2025 . התאריכים נבחרו קצת לפני סיום הסמסטר, כדי לאפשר נוכחות מרבית של חוקרים, סטודנטים ואנשי תעשייה. חוקרים ומפתחים מובילים בתחום הלונג’ביטי כבר מתחילים להצטרף לתוכנית הכנס
הכנס הקודם באוקטובר השנה עורר עניין רב, יצר חשיפה רבה, ועזר לבניית הקהילה בתחום הלונג’ביטי בישראל ובשיתוף פעולה עם ישראל. יותר ממאה דוברים מהארץ ומחו”ל מהמובילים בעולם הציגו את עבודתם בכנס. מאות אורחים וצופים השתתפו בכנס. הרבה אנשים, בתחום הלונג’ביטי ומעבר לו, הרגישו מעודדים על ידי הכנס, ואף הרגישו אופטימיות ותקווה מחודשת תודות לכנס, גם בזמנים הקשים
אני מקווה שנמשיך לעודד אנשים, בתחום הלונג’ביטי ומעבר לו, גם בכנס הבא, נמשיך “לשמור על הגחלת” בכל מצב
הכנס גם שיחק תפקיד חיובי בקידום שיתוף פעולה בינלאומי. אם יש תחום אקדמי אחד שלא היה בו שום חרמות אלא להפך הרצון לשתף פעולה, אז זה התחום שלנו, תחום הלונג’ביטי, היות והנושא משותף לכל האנושות. הכנס שלנו קידם את השיתופיות הזאת, ואני מקווה שנמשיך לקדם אותה גם בכנס הבא
לכנס גם היו תוצאות מעשיות. בעקבות הכנס ובמידה רבה בעידוד הכנס (כחלק מהקידום שלנו את התחום) בקרוב צפויים לצאת קולות קוראים למחקר בתחום הזקנה ואריכות חיים בריאים. גם לקראת הכנס הבא, ביוני, צפויות להתקבל החלטות לגבי תמיכה בתחום ונשמח לדווח על התוצאות בכנס
לכן אני שמח להודיע על הכנס הבא, ולהזמין אתכם לכנס! כבר אפשר להירשם. הכניסה חופשית (אלא אם כן תהיה החלטה אחרת בהמשך) אבל הרשמה נדרשת
וכמובן שנודה לכל תמיכה שמאפשרת לנו את קיום הכנס וכל שאר הפעילות של עמותת “ותק – התנועה לאיכות ואריכות חיים” (ע”ר) שמארגנת את הכנס ופעילויות נוספות לקידום מחקר, פיתוח וחינוך לאריכות חיים בריאים בישראל ובשיתוף פעולה בינלאומי. פרטים לתרומות לעמותת “ותק” בדף ההרשמה לכנס ובאתר העמותה
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.
See the conference program
https://longevitynation.org/program/
And the conference recordings
https://longevitynation.org/videosandphotos/
Preparations for Longevity Nation 2025 have started, and we are always grateful for donations that make this conference and our work possible! Thanks!
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.