HKU SBMS Knowledge Exchange Seminar

THIS SEPTEMBER – explore groundbreaking insights into the biology of aging, evolution, and potential interventions. Presenting the 2^nd 2025 Knowledge Exchange Seminar and Networking Reception on “Programmed Aging: Why Evolution Wants Us Dead—and What We Can Do About It” by CityU Professor Peter Lidsky, hosted by SBMS Professor Ralf Jauch and co-hosted by Professor Tarani Chandola of HKU. You are cordially invited to join us for this thought-provoking session on the biology of aging and the future of longevity science!

 

In this seminar, you will learn:

• how the pathogen control hypothesis challenges traditional views on aging as passive damage
• the potential of aging as an immune adaptation to manage chronic infections and limit epidemics
• implications for developing novel anti-aging therapies rooted in immunology and genetics

 

Seminar

Topic: Programmed Aging: Why Evolution Wants Us Dead—and What We Can Do About It

Date: 29 September 2025 (Monday)

Speaker: Professor Peter Lidsky, Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong

Host: Professor Ralf Jauch, School of Biomedical Sciences, HKUMed

Co-host: Professor Tarani Chandola, Sau Po Centre on Ageing, HKU

Language: English

Time: 16:30 - 18:00

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road

 

Networking Reception*

Time: 18:00 - 19:30

Venue: Foyer 2 – 3, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road

*first come, first served (maximum capacity: 50)

Registration link: https://hku.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9sHjgjRxLhF6OtU

 

About the Speaker

Prof. Peter Lidsky received his MS and PhD training in virology at Moscow State University, where his research focused on virus-host interactions in Picornaviruses. He then transitioned to the University of Zurich to develop tools and probes for fluorescent imaging in the Drosophila model. Finally, at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), he combined his expertise in virology and genetics to build a versatile research program. Notably, at UCSF, he developed the “pathogen control” hypothesis of aging, which forms the foundation of his current research interests. Since 2024, Peter has been an Assistant Professor at the City University of Hong Kong. 

 

Abstract

Aging is a routine element of our lives. However, scientists continue to debate what aging actually is and why it evolved. For decades, the prevailing view was that aging results from the passive accumulation of damage, similar to rust or decay. Models suggesting that aging is a genetic program designed to end life were long considered wrong and largely ignored. Professor Lidsky's pathogen control model aims to revive the idea of adaptive programmed aging. This hypothesis suggests that aging evolved as a primitive immune adaptation to remove individuals potentially infected with chronic diseases and to limit epidemics. If proven true, this model could dramatically shift our perspective and approach to treating aging: aging would be seen as part of the immune system, and gerontology would need to incorporate a strong immunological focus.

 

About the Event

The School of Biomedical Sciences (SBMS) at HKUMed aims to disseminate digestible scientific knowledge to raise the Hong Kong public’s interest in STEM through interdisciplinary and cross-border collaborations. This knowledge exchange seminar is hosted by SBMS Professor Ralf Jauch and co-hosted by Professor Tarani Chandola of Sau Po Centre on Ageing, HKU.

 

Enquiries: sbms@hku.hk | Tel: (852) 3917-9262

 

ALL ARE WELCOME.