INNOVA 2025: A Global Gathering Advancing Innovation in Ageing and Well-being

Nice, 30 September 2025 – The INNOVA 2025 conference took place on 25–26 September 2025 on the French Riviera, organised by the Innovation Hub Ageing & Well-being of Université Côte d’Azur. Held within the Ulysseus European University framework, the event brought together researchers, PhD candidates, and startups from across the globe to promote academic research and innovation in the fields of ageing and healthy living.

The conference fostered interdisciplinary dialogue, exploring ageing and well-being from social, economic, biomedical, psychological, and public health perspectives. INNOVA created a dynamic platform to share knowledge, highlight emerging talents, and develop collaborative opportunities within the Ulysseus ecosystem.

Connecting Researchers, PhDs, and Startups from Around the World

The main objectives of INNOVA 2025 included promoting cutting-edge academic research and innovation from the Ulysseus programme, addressing ageing and well-being in all its dimensions, and supporting early-career researchers and PhD candidates. The event also aimed to build bridges between the academic and socio-economic sectors while generating attractive opportunities for collaboration within the Ulysseus network.

The conference featured a series of keynote presentations highlighting the latest developments in ageing and well-being. Prof. Thomas C. Kingsley (Mayo Clinic & UCLA Health) discussed the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence for healthy lifestyles, while Prof. Paula Pousinha (Université Côte d’Azur) presented on innovative biomarkers to enhance understanding and monitoring of the ageing process.

Further sessions focused on creating health-promoting environments, with Prof. Leandro Garcia (Queen’s University Belfast) sharing his research, and on technology transfer for ageing and well-being, including policies and best practices, presented by Prof. Nektarios Tavernarakis (University of Crete). These presentations highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the conference and its focus on connecting research with practical applications.

INNOVA 2025 successfully underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing solutions for ageing and well-being and strengthened international connections within the Ulysseus community.