Join this Research Theme (Deadline: 1 November 2026)
 
 

Research Theme #X

The Future is Ageing: Food, Nutrition and Healthy Longevity

Keywords: Healthy Longevity, Food Innovation, Healthy Dietary Patterns; Ageing Societies

 
 

Workshop Leaders (PIs)

 

Francisca Echeverría
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Cecilia Tullberg
Lund University

 
 

Research Theme Summary

As populations grow older, the future of societies will increasingly depend on how well people age. This Research Theme builds on the idea that “the future is ageing” and that healthy longevity should not be understood only as living longer, but as maintaining physiological function, autonomy, social participation, and quality of life over time. Food and nutrition are central to this challenge. However, diet should not be viewed only as the intake of nutrients, but as a complex interaction between food matrices, bioactive compounds, dietary patterns, sensory experience, culture, and biological responses. This workshop will explore how food-based strategies can contribute to healthy longevity by integrating molecular mechanisms, gut-mediated processes, physiological function, food innovation, and the social context of eating. The theme will welcome contributions from food science, nutrition, physiology, ageing biology, sensory science, clinical research, public health, social sciences, and technology development. Topics may include healthy dietary patterns, bioactive compounds relevant to ageing, sensory and oral changes in older adults, polypharmacy and nutrientdrug interactions, social isolation, food security and access to adequate foods, targeted food programs, upcycling of food by-products for food innovation, and technological strategies to support nutrition, well-being, and prevention of chronic diseases in older populations. By connecting Chilean and Swedish perspectives, the workshop aims to generate interdisciplinary dialogue and future collaborations around healthier, more equitable, and more resilient ageing societies. Potential outcomes include joint research proposals, academic exchange, coauthored publications, and longer-term networks focused on food, nutrition, sustainability, and healthy longevity.

 
 

Desired Expertise

Food science and food innovation; Nutrition and dietetics; Physiology and metabolism; Ageing biology and healthy longevity; Sensory science and eating behavior; Gastrointestinal physiology and microbiota research; Public health and epidemiology; Social sciences and social determinants of health; Sustainability and circular food systems; Food security and food redistribution; Technology development and functional food design; Clinical research related to ageing and chronic diseases; Oral health and dysphagia in older adults.

 
 
 
 

About the ACCESS Forum & Research Themes (RTs)

  • The ACCESS Forum is an immersive, bi-national event held every 18 months that connects scholars across Chilean and Swedish member universities to address global societal challenges. Rather than functioning as a standard academic conference with passive presentations, an ACCESS workshop operates as an intensive, dedicated "working laboratory."

    Participants commit to a single Research Theme (RT)—a targeted, co-led scientific initiative aligned with the ACCESS Research Framework. Over four days of collaborative work sessions, interactive discussions, and co-design activities, participants remain with the same cohort to move research ideas from concept to action.

  • By joining our workshop cohort at the upcoming ACCESS Forum, you will:

    • Co-Develop Concrete Outcomes: Work directly toward joint academic publications, collaborative grant proposals (e.g., ANID, STINT, Horizon Europe), co-supervision of PhD candidates, etc.

    • Cross-Contextual Insights: Exchange datasets, methodologies, and local perspectives between Chilean and Swedish contexts.

    • Expand Your Network: Connect with senior researchers, Early Career Researchers (ECRs), and non-academic stakeholders across both research and innovation ecosystems.

  • To apply for a seat in this Research Theme workshop, please review the desired expertise above and complete the application form before the registration deadline.


    IMPORTANT: Applications from ACCESS member universities will be prioritize.

    Apply here by 1 November 2026: XXX