The British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA) has appointed Dr Bradley Elliott, Reader in Ageing Physiology at the University of Westminster, as its new Chair, as research into the biology of ageing continues to expand across academia, healthcare and industry.
Dr Elliott takes over at a time of growing interest in understanding why we age and why susceptibility to disease increases with age. With both an ageing society and healthy life expectancy falling in the UK, the need for research into understanding ageing is more pressing than ever. With conversations around a National Care Service in the UK and the costs associated with this, keeping society healthier for longer is vital to keeping those costs down.
Advances in laboratory biology, human research and AI-enabled discovery are opening new opportunities to understand the mechanisms of ageing and translate those discoveries into approaches that could help people maximise healthy life expectancy. This scientific progress is being accompanied by substantial growth in the commercial sector, from small start-ups to global technology or pharmaceutical organisations, which are increasingly investing in research relevant to ageing and healthspan.
Dr Elliott said: “I'm incredibly honoured to be elected Chair of the BSRA. We've seen real growth in our membership in recent years, including scientists working beyond traditional UK academic roles, and I want to see that continue.
“The BSRA has a long history of bringing researchers together to understand how and why we age. My aim is to build on that by strengthening our support for researchers, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and loudly making the case for greater investment in both basic and translational ageing research.”
A particular priority for Dr Elliott will be increasing support for research into the biology of ageing, including the early-stage and exploratory work that can provide the foundations for future discoveries and therapies.
As a member of the University’s Nutrition, Sport and Exercise Metabolism Research Group located within the Centre for Resilience, he works with his fellow researchers to further understand how humans age, why they age and what can be done to maximise time spent in good health.
He added: “Much of the recent progress we have made in ageing research has its foundations in basic science. We need to continue investing in fundamental research if we are going to have the new discoveries that will be the next treatments to benefit health and society.”
Dr Elliott has been a BSRA trustee for five years and takes over from Professor David Weinkove from Durham University, who has served as Chair for the previous four years. Professor Weinkove will remain an active member of the board for the next 12 months and continue his work on influencing government policy and building relationships with industry, clinicians and other charities.
Professor Weinkove said: “I’m delighted that Bradley Elliott will be taking over as Chair. His enthusiasm and communication skills will allow him to continue the momentum of our growing organisation at a time that it is critical we help people stay healthier for longer.”
Dr Elliott’s work and new role directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about research at the University of Westminster.
Related articles
