A visual introduction to The Â鶹ÊÓƵ
Understanding ageing to increase healthspan
One of the major achievements of the modern era is the extension of the human lifespan through improvements in medical care, nutrition, sanitation and access to clean water. Over the last century, life expectancy at birth in the UK has risen by almost 30 years so that both men and women can now expect to live well into their 80s. This is shifting population demographics; almost 1 in 5 of the UK’s total population is aged 65 or over and this is expected to rise to 1 in 4 by 2050.
These gains in lifespan have not been matched by gains in healthspan. Progressive physiological and physical decline are a part of normal ageing but increased age also increases the risk and incidence of numerous debilitating diseases and ailments including macular degeneration, dementia and cancer. Older people are also more susceptible to a variety of infections and exhibit reduced antibody responses to vaccinations due to the age-related decline in immune function.
Ageing is a societal grand challenge, scientific research offers the possibility to help more of us understand how to remain healthy, happy and active throughout life. If we are to understand and ameliorate these deficits in healthspan we need to understand the complex alterations in biological functions that lead to ageing.
Healthy Ageing Research
Part of the research and innovation ecosystem
Much of our research involves collaborations with the University of Cambridge, with other research institutions in the Cambridge region and with universities and organisations worldwide, and all our PhD students are affiliated to Cambridge Colleges.
Where the knowledge generated from the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s research has potential for application, our scientists work with clinicians or with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to translate the research for social and economic benefit. This process is managed by Â鶹ÊÓƵ Enterprise Ltd (BIE), the Â鶹ÊÓƵ’s wholly-owned trading subsidiary.
The Â鶹ÊÓƵ forms the cornerstone of the vibrant , home to some 60 start-up and growing bioscience companies, which is managed by Babraham Research Campus Ltd.