We often talk about time ‘in service’ and the years since, but what if we could look closer at how those experiences have affected the very core of your health? That’s the challenge our research team is tackling, and a key part of that effort was showcased at the British Society for Research on Ageing (BSRA) Annual Scientific Meeting 2025.
In early September, Research Fellow for the Institute for Inflammation and Ageing, Dr Jack Sullivan, attended the 74th Annual Scientific Meeting of the BSRA, hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University. This 3-day conference brought together 200 of the world’s leading experts in the biology of ageing.
The Focus: Unlocking the Biology of Ageing
The central theme of the BSRA conference was the fundamental Biology of Ageing. For three days, scientists, doctors, and policy-makers shared the latest evidence on how and why we age, and—crucially—what can be done about it.
Dr Sullivan highlighted that the conference was packed with engaging sessions, from the biological basis of ageing and how chronic conditions affect the process, to a special focus on key lifestyle factors.
A particularly relevant sub-theme this year was the role of diet and exercise in fighting back against the ageing process—topics that are of special interest to our research group and the commitment to fitness seen across the military community.
The Research: Connecting Service to Your Biology
The core reason for attending was to share the work you have made possible. Dr Sullivan was selected to deliver a presentation on his poster, titled: “The impact of combat-related traumatic injury, environmental and lifestyle factors on epigenetic ageing in a UK military veteran cohort.”
What Does “Epigenetic Ageing” Mean?
Think of it this way: Your chronological age is the number of birthdays you’ve had. Your epigenetic age is like a high-tech internal clock. Scientists can look at your DNA and see how ‘old’ your cells actually appear based on your life experiences, environment, and lifestyle.
This poster presented a first look at the vital data gathered from participants like you in the ADVANCE cohort. We are investigating the critical relationship between:
- Epigenetic Ageing (Your biological clock)
- Combat-related Traumatic Injury
- Mental Health
- Lifestyle Factors (Such as the level and type of exercise)
A Positive Response from the Experts
While the poster didn’t take home a prize, it generated a significant buzz among the international experts.
Dr Sullivan reported, “We received a great deal of positive interest, had plenty of interesting conversations, and look forward to sharing the work with everybody soon. The poster highlighted how injury, mental health, and even exercise can influence the ageing process at a cellular level, making it a great fit for this year’s BSRA conference.”
The Takeaway for Our Participants
This presentation means our study is recognised as a leader in understanding the complex intersection of military service, trauma, and long-term health. Your commitment is driving new evidence that could change how we view and support the health of veterans for decades to come.
Dr Jack Sullivan
Research Fellow
Institute for Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham
