Researchers from around the world specializing in longevity science will gather in southwestern South Korea this week for one of the field’s most prestigious international academic meetings.
According to Chonnam National University Hospital on June 4, the 30th annual meeting of the International Centenarian Consortium (ICC) will be held from June 9 to June 12 at Wellpark City Hotel in Gochang County under the theme “Centenarians as Pioneers of the Well-Aging Era.”
The conference, held alongside the 20th International Forum on Aging, is organized by the Korean Centenarian Study Group at Chonnam National University Hospital, led by Professor Park Kwang-sung. The event will bring together 60 internationally recognized experts in longevity science from 13 countries, creating a high-level platform for academic exchange as societies worldwide confront the challenges of population aging.
Gochang, the host region, is widely recognized as one of South Korea’s notable longevity communities. Residents aged 65 and older account for 40.5% of the population, while those aged 90 and above make up 2.3%.
Since 2018, the Korean Centenarian Study Group has conducted extensive research on centenarians, collecting and analyzing data on blood biomarkers, physical measurements, lifestyle habits, mental health and family relationships to better understand the factors associated with exceptional longevity.
Faculty members from Chonnam National University Hospital and the Chonnam National University Medical School play key roles in organizing the conference and leading major scientific sessions, highlighting the institution’s growing international presence in longevity medicine research.
Professor Park will present findings on the secrets behind longevity and healthy aging among Korean centenarians. Professor Cho Kyung-ah of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital will share recent research on immune system mechanisms observed in centenarians.
The conference will also feature presentations by globally recognized longevity experts. Among them are Michel Poulain and Jean-Marie Robine, who helped develop the concept of “Blue Zones,” regions known for unusually high concentrations of long-lived populations.
In addition, Thomas Perls of Boston University will deliver a special lecture on centenarian genomics.
Researchers from multiple countries are expected to present findings from genomic and environmental studies aimed at uncovering the biological mechanisms behind exceptional human longevity.
“This conference is particularly meaningful because it is being led by researchers from Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital alongside some of the world’s leading longevity scientists,” Park said. “The high-quality clinical data and longevity medicine research accumulated over many years could help shape a healthier future for societies facing rapid population aging.”