Workshop of the Leibniz Research Network “Aging and Resilience” in Halle
During the week of June 23–26, 2026, the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) in Halle (Saale) hosted the “Resilience and Aging Research” Week, jointly organized by the Leibniz Research Alliance “Resilient Ageing” (LFB-RA) and the German Society for Aging Research (DGfA e.V.) took place at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Development in Transition Economies (IAMO) in Halle (Saale). From June 23–25, 2026, the Leibniz Research Network “Aging and Resilience” held its workshop, followed by the annual conference of the German Society for Aging Research, which took place from June 25–26, 2026. To conclude the “Resilience and Aging Research” theme week, a joint panel discussion was held with representatives from both events to discuss perspectives and future synergies in aging research.
The LFB-RA conducts interdisciplinary research into how biological, social, and societal factors influence aging and which strategies can help more people age healthily. Representatives from all partner institutions of the Leibniz Research Network participated in the workshop. The workshop was organized by Prof. Dr. Helen Morrison (Leibniz Institute for Aging Research – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI, Jena)) and Prof. Dr. Oliver Tüscher (Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR, Mainz)), both spokespersons for the LFB-RA, as well as by the coordinators Dr. Annabell Coors (LIR), Dr. Sabrina Meister (LIR), and Dr. Susann Groth (FLI).
The focus was on a joint review of the first funding period, during which project developments were reflected upon, the results of the so-called “seed funding” projects—projects with initial start-up funding for clearly defined research questions—were discussed, and milestones achieved were recognized. At the same time, the workshop marked the kickoff for the second funding period, which begins on July 1, 2026. In addition, the workshop provided an opportunity to discuss new research priorities, including the role of social inequality in old age, getting to know the new partner, the Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (RWI), and developing new project ideas.
The program included thematic sessions on the biological foundations of aging—such as the study of aging processes at the molecular level using so-called omics analyses—longitudinal studies involving various population groups, and social and economic factors that can influence healthy aging. The workshop was complemented by keynote presentations by renowned scientists, including Prof. Dr. David Richter and Dr. Agnieszka Z. Burzynska from the SHARE Berlin Institute, Prof. Dr. Dr. Steve Hoffmann and Prof. Dr. Dario Valenzano (FLI), and Prof. Dr. Arno Villringer from the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig.
The program also included a hybrid satellite workshop on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within the research network, during which selected AI tools were presented and tested in practical exercises. Another component was an interactive exchange on new project ideas, designed to inspire new collaborations and further develop project ideas for the second funding period. Participants had the opportunity to present their ideas, discuss collaboration needs, and engage in further discussion through poster presentations.
We would like to thank everyone involved for the successful workshop and the constructive exchange.