Celebrating a Milestone in Ageing Research

In October 2024, Professor Avan Aihie Sayer - lead of Newcastle University’s AGE Research Group and Director of the NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre - had the distinguished honour of delivering the 2024 Harveian Oration at the Royal College of Physicians in London.

The oration is now published online in Clinical Medicine (London). With the title “From bench to bedside and beyond: new horizons for translational ageing research”, this prestigious lecture illustrates the story of the AGE Research Group’s interdisciplinary translational ageing research, drawing on breakthroughs in the biology of ageing, life course epidemiology and clinical trials in older populations. Professor Sayer set out a bold interdisciplinary agenda aimed at building strong clinical-academic ties, supporting the next generation of researchers, engaging patients and the public, and shaping NHS-focused national initiatives (read our full article on the talk here).

The annual Harveian Oration was founded by William Harvey in 1656, and Professor Sayer is the first geriatrician ever invited to deliver the oration in its 400 year history, marking not only a significant milestone for ageing research but well-deserved recognition for Professor Sayer’s remarkable achievements.

Read the paper:  Harveian Oration 2024: From bench to bedside and beyond – new horizons for translational ageing research. Avan Aihie Sayer. Clin Med (Lond). Published June 3, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.clinme.2025.100334

Watch the lecture: On demand on RCP Player

Last modified: Fri, 04 Jul 2025 10:29:00 BST