Northwestern University’s Office for Research hosted a roundtable at the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center on October 20, bringing together leaders from the life sciences sector to discuss the future of human healthspan and longevity. The event included presentations and breakout sessions focused on the scientific and economic opportunities and challenges in extending healthy human life, as well as Illinois’ potential to lead in this emerging field.
Participants included private sector leaders, state economic development officials, and academics from the University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Northwestern University.
Eric Perreault, vice president for research at Northwestern University, stated, “The next frontier for life sciences lies not in the study of the human lifespan, but in the human healthspan. Understanding healthy living isn’t just aspirational, it’s a science. Illinois already has all the pieces in place for understanding, measuring and extending healthy human life, and we should seize the opportunity to continue pushing boundaries and leading the charge.”
Christy George, president and CEO of the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, commented on the state’s commitment to scientific advancement: "While some states are stepping back from investment and scientific engagement, Illinois is stepping up to fill the gap. We will continue to be a place where world-class science is not only supported, but protected and propelled. Illinois has always been a place where innovation moves from lab to impact, and as we enter this new frontier of longevity and health innovation, I am deeply optimistic about what we can achieve together."
Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, emphasized state support for innovation: “With the uncertainty we’re facing from the federal government, Illinois is sending companies a clear message: ‘We are in your corner.’ Under Gov. Pritzker’s leadership, our state has become a hub for innovation — investing in new technologies while creating good-paying jobs. From quantum to life sciences, the future is built in Illinois, and we look forward to leading the charge on the healthspan discoveries waiting to be uncovered.”
Benjamin Yaden, vice president of External Innovation at Eli Lilly and Company, highlighted the company’s interest in the field: “Lilly is no stranger to innovation, and we have always been committed to harnessing momentum and turning new discoveries into real-life applications that improve lives. We’re excited by the limitless opportunities in the longevity space, and we’re hopeful that this conversation marks the beginning of exciting collaborations to come.”
The event reflected Illinois’ focus on life sciences as one of its five key high-growth sectors and showcased collaboration between academia, industry, and government to advance research and innovation in healthspan.