2024 Scientific Meeting of the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network
September 5–6, 2024
CONFERENCE
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RI-MUHC Auditorium
The inaugural meeting marked the CTGN’s official launch and connected geroscience research with clinical practice, community applications and public policy.
From discovery to healthier ageing
On September 5-6, 2024, Schouela CEDurable hosted the inaugural scientific meeting of the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network (CTGN) at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in Montréal. Held in a hybrid format, the meeting brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, industry representatives, innovation experts and trainees.
The meeting focused on a translational approach: connecting discoveries in the laboratory with practical applications in clinical and community settings. Discussions considered biological, clinical and social dimensions of ageing, alongside existing and emerging tools intended to support older adults’ health and quality of life.
A programme spanning research and implementation
The first day opened with workshops on investigating the hallmarks of ageing, designing geroscience clinical trials and moving discoveries toward implementation, including intellectual property and commercialisation. A biomedical research session followed, with presentations by George Sutphin on kynurenine metabolism and Lea Harrington on genetic responses to senotherapeutic compounds.
The second day focused on integrating geroscience into clinical practice and research. The programme included contributions from Kenneth Rockwood on frailty, Alexandra Papaioannou on clinical implementation, Marc Sim on vascular health and Gilles Gouspillou on physical activity.
A further session, chaired by Dr. Gustavo Duque, explored implementation in policy and practice, with contributions from Jamie Justice, Jeroen Aerssens and Nancy Mayo. Short research presentations, poster sessions and networking opportunities complemented the invited talks and workshops.
The official launch of the CTGN
The meeting also marked the official launch of the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network, creating a national framework for collaboration across biomedical research, clinical research and implementation.
Schouela CEDurable’s 2024 Annual Report describes the network’s early development under the leadership of Dr. Gustavo Duque at McGill University, working with Co-Director Dr. Lea Harrington at the University of Toronto and Network Coordinator Ocean Gallichon.
The report identifies priorities including mapping geroscience expertise across Canada, strengthening partnerships, supporting clinical trials and developing educational opportunities. These priorities connect the study of ageing with the practical work needed to bring research into healthcare and community settings.
Knowledge exchange across disciplines
Interactive workshops and networking sessions gave participants opportunities to exchange knowledge and discuss approaches to translating research into practice. The meeting brought established investigators, emerging researchers and health professionals into a shared conversation about healthy ageing.
For Schouela CEDurable, organising the meeting formed part of its work to connect scientific evidence with approaches that support older adults. By bringing research, care and policy together, the event highlighted both the potential of translational geroscience and the collaboration needed to develop useful applications.
View the official programme and event archive.
