Foundations and Strategic Vision of the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network.

Abstract

Geroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the biological connections between aging and the development of chronic diseases, with the ultimate goal of identifying interventions to extend healthspan and delay age-related conditions. Recognizing the growing importance of this field, the Canadian Translational Geroscience Network (CTGN, geroscience.ca) was officially launched during a conference held in Montreal on September 5-6, 2024. Building on the momentum of successful Geroscience meetings in Toronto and Montreal in 2023, this milestone event marked a transformative step forward for geroscience in Canada. This event brought together key stakeholders, including the Canadian Frailty Network (CFN), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA), the Réseau Québécois de Recherche sur le Vieillissement (RQRV), the Simone & Edouard Schouela RUISSS McGill Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Health of Seniors (Schouela CEDurable), the Division of Geriatric Medicine at McGill University, and the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto. Additionally, a broad coalition of geriatricians, healthcare professionals, and researchers convened to discuss and advance the field of geroscience in Canada. The two-day conference focused on creating a multidisciplinary community to address the challenges of an aging population, emphasizing the importance of funding, national and international collaboration, and training the next generation of researchers and clinicians. Workshops and presentations showcased a range of innovative research, from cellular studies to clinical trials, aimed at understanding and treating age-related diseases. Key discussions highlighted the critical role of partnerships among research institutions, healthcare systems, and biotech companies in translating research findings into practical interventions. The CTGN's strategic objectives focus on expanding funding opportunities for geroscience, developing specialized training programs, and increasing membership to cultivate a diverse, multidisciplinary, and collaborative network. This network aims to include students, basic and clinical researchers, citizens, government entities, and organizations or professionals interested in advancing the geroscience field. With a clear roadmap for future growth, the CTGN aims to position Canada at the forefront of geroscience, fostering evidence-based innovation that improves the health and quality of life for aging populations.