Middle East’s first Longevity Science Semester Symposium in Dubai to explore health span enhancement pathways

nabd-alhadath –  Ahmed Bin Abdulqader

• Geneva College of Longevity Science to unite industry leaders at the symposium’s inaugural Middle East edition in partnership with Dubai Science Park and supported by Longevity Think Tank  

• The Longevity Science Semester Symposium will contribute to Dubai Research and Development Programme 

 The Middle East’s first Longevity Science Semester Symposium is set to explore pathways to deliver tangible improvements in human health on 13-14 February 2025. Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS), the world’s first academic institute focusing on longevity science, has partnered with Dubai Science Park, part of TECOM Group PJSC, to host the symposium, which is supported by the Longevity Think Tank, a global network fostering innovation and education.  

The Longevity Science Semester Symposium, to be held at Dubai Knowledge Park, will address opportunities offered by the rapidly evolving field of longevity sciences to develop innovative technologies and therapies that can contribute to We the UAE 2031’s vision to rank the UAE as one of the world’s top 10 countries for quality of healthcare.   

Prof. Dr. Dominik Thor, President of Geneva College of Longevity Science, said: “The UAE has emerged

as a global hub for longevity science, defined by groundbreaking research, forward-thinking policies, and world-class clinics. At Geneva College of Longevity Science, we are proud not only to welcome an increasing number of students from the UAE but also to support local efforts in advancing the science of healthy ageing. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to contribute to the region’s important role in shaping the future of healthy longevity.” 

“The pursuit of longer and healthier lives is a scientific endeavour that can transform the world for future generations,” said Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City.  

“Advances in longevity science can revolutionise global healthcare by shifting the focus from merely extending lifespan to enhancing health span – the period of life spent in good health. We’re hosting the region’s first Longevity Science Semester Symposium to rapidly translate such scientific breakthroughs into tangible improvements in human health by forging crucial connections between researchers, academicians, industry leaders, and policymakers. Dubai Science Park will actively contribute to the Dubai Research and Development Programme, Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, and We the UAE 2031 by advancing our collective knowledge of longevity and wellbeing through the symposium.” 

Supporting healthy ageing 

The two-day event will deliver a groundbreaking programme of talks and panel discussions designed to turn cutting-edge longevity science research into actionable solutions. This high-impact gathering will address critical subjects, such as the research breakthroughs, policy frameworks, and strategic investments required to build a robust ecosystem that supports healthy ageing. The role of precision diagnostics and personalised medicine in extending health span will also be a key focus, offering a clear path for practical advancements.  

The Longevity Science Semester Symposium will unite the brightest minds from around the globe to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in science and health. The partnership between Dubai Science Park and Geneva College of Longevity Science underscores the importance of innovation, shared expertise, and a commitment to driving progress through education. It further solidifies Dubai’s leadership in this sector, as explored in Longevity Hubs: Regional Innovation for Global Aging, a study by MIT AgeLab, MIT Press, and the Longevity Think Tank, which contributed to the research of the Dubai chapter on how it became a leading regional and a global innovation hotspot leveraging ageing for economic and strategic growth. The event represents a promising step towards creating a healthier and more vibrant future for all. 

Geneva College of Longevity Science, the driving force behind the symposium, is at the forefront of this new and rapidly evolving field, offering a pioneering platform for learning and discovery. The event invites aspiring students, researchers, and professionals to immerse themselves in the discovery of knowledge and cutting-edge innovation by joining a transformative journey to shape the future of health and longevity.  

The symposium addresses the vital role of the education in enhancing longevity, and aims to inspire the next generation of thinkers and innovators, equipping them with the tools to drive meaningful change in a field that will define the future of global health. Longevity Think Tank and the GCLS will also host an exclusive dinner on the sidelines of the symposium, enabling intimate networking opportunities for key stakeholders to further address collaborations and advancements in the field of longevity.   

Geneva College of Longevity Science (GCLS) is the world’s first institute of higher education dedicated exclusively to the study of longevity science. Located in Geneva, a city renowned for its dynamic ecosystem of international organisations, GCLS is founded upon the exceptional academic standards for which Switzerland is globally celebrated. The institution offers a unique opportunity for students to pursue an Executive Master’s degree in Longevity Science, alongside specialised Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes tailored for physicians. 

Dubai Science Park, as part of TECOM Group, nurtures collaboration and innovation within its community of more than 500 customers, including major international players such as Pfizer, AstraZeneca, BeiGene, and Virax Biolabs, and over 6,500 professionals in the life, energy, and environment sciences. The district offers access to shared resources such as LEED–certified labs as well as opportunities to connect with a broader network of specialists located within TECOM Group communities, including Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai International Academic City, fostering essential synergies for scientific research and development. 

Dubai Science Park, Dubai Knowledge Park, and Dubai International Academic City are part of TECOM Group’s portfolio of business districts, which also include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Industrial City.  

For more information, please visit www.dsp.ae.