Our Distinguished Speakers

Dr. Christiane Wrann is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she leads a research group at the Cardiovascular Research Center. Her work focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which exercise benefits brain health, particularly in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. A key area of her research is the hormone irisin, a muscle-derived factor that has shown promise in promoting neurogenesis and reducing neuroinflammation in preclinical models of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Wrann’s interdisciplinary approach combines advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and molecular imaging to uncover potential therapeutic targets. She is also affiliated with the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and the McCance Center for Brain Health.

At AIT 2025, Dr. Wrann will deliver a Keynote (exact time slot to be announced, occurring on Friday, June 27th or Saturday, June 28th, at the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina/University Hospital Lecture Hall). She will discuss how exercise-induced molecular pathways can be harnessed to support cognitive resilience and healthy aging.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Simm is a leading biogerontologist at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. He directs the research laboratory of the Department of Cardiac Surgery and the Center for Basic Medical Research. He also founded and leads the Interdisciplinary Center for Aging Halle (IZAH) at the Faculty of Medicine.

His research focuses on the aging of the cardiovascular system, protein glycation as a mechanism of aging, and biomarkers of healthy aging. As spokesperson for the DFG-funded graduate program ProMoAge, he investigates posttranslational protein modifications as key factors in cellular aging.

At AIT 2025, Prof. Simm will take part in the panel discussion: “Healthy Aging – Opportunities, Limitations, Myths” on Saturday, June 28, from 11:30 am–12:30 pm in the University Hospital Lecture Hall, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of aging and their impact on healthy longevity.

Prof. Dr. Claudia Becker has served as Rector of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since September 2022, making her the first woman in this position in the university’s history. With an outstanding academic background in statistics and computer science, she brings extensive experience in research, teaching, and university leadership.

At AIT 2025, Prof. Dr. Becker will deliver a welcome address on behalf of the university on Friday, June 27, from 9:00 to 9:30 am at the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, highlighting the importance of international collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange in the field of healthy aging.

Prof. Dr. Heike Kielstein has served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg since 2022—the second woman in the university’s long history to hold this position. She is also Head of the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology and curator of the historic anatomical collection ‘Meckelsche Sammlungen’. In addition, she is a member of the Saxon Academy of Sciences.

Her research focuses on the impact of obesity on immune cell function, with a particular emphasis on natural killer (NK) cells, as well as the role of obesity in tumor progression and metastasis. Alongside her biomedical work, Prof. Kielstein is an active contributor to educational research and a co-founder of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP). In recognition of her outstanding contributions to university teaching, she was honored with the prestigious national title “Professor of the Year” in 2017.

Prof. Dr. Kielstein is a key organizer and supporter of the AIT Conference in Halle, where she proudly serves as the local host and warmly welcomes students from around the world. She will deliver the opening speech (welcome address) on Friday, June 27, from 9:00 to 9:30 am at the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.

Dr. Anette Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, USA. She is a member of the teaching faculty at Columbia University.

Her educational research focuses on the internationalization of medical education, aiming to advance global health and counteract healthcare nationalism. She has authored numerous publications on these topics, including global competency assessment and the role of internationalization in medical training. Dr. Wu is the Founder and Director of the International Collaboration and Exchange Program (ICEP Global), a multilateral student networking and exchange initiative with 40 partner institutions worldwide. The program promotes the role of students as stakeholders in science diplomacy and global collaborations.

Dr. Anette Wu is one of the main organizers and supporters of our AIT Conference. She will deliver an opening speech on Friday, June 27, from 9:00 to 9:30 am at the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. Additionally, she will lead the UN Model Aging Workshop on Sunday, June 29, from 9:00 to 10:45 am at Campus Magdeburger Straße, Ortho-HS, and will also be involved in moderations, additional workshops, and the poster session.

Prof. Dr. Susann Weihrauch-Blüher is a leading expert in pediatric endocrinology and diabetology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Her research focuses on childhood obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and preventive medicine. She leads a research group investigating the causes and consequences of obesity in children and adolescents, as well as strategies for prevention and therapy.

Prof. Weihrauch-Blüher serves as the local coordinator for the EU-funded project “PAS GRAS,” which aims to understand the metabolic, environmental, and behavioral determinants of obesity in adolescents. She is also the spokesperson for the Working Group on Obesity in Childhood and Adolescence (AGA) within the German Obesity Society.

At AIT 2025, she will give a short lecture on Sunday, June 29, approximately between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm at Campus Magdeburger Straße, Ortho-HS. She will provide insights into early interventions and personalized strategies to promote healthy aging starting in childhood.

Dr. Matthew Yousefzadeh is an Assistant Professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he leads a research group within the Columbia Center for Translational Immunology. His work focuses on the role of senescent immune cells in driving systemic aging and age-related diseases. By utilizing in vitro and in vivo models, his lab explores how immune cell senescence contributes to immunosenescence and dysfunction in solid organs, aiming to develop biomarkers of aging and test geroprotective compounds like senolytics.

Dr. Yousefzadeh’s interdisciplinary approach combines advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and molecular imaging to uncover potential therapeutic targets. He currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors for the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.

At AIT 2025, Dr. Yousefzadeh will give a short lecture on Saturday, June 28, from 11:00 to 11:30 am in the University Hospital Lecture Hall, discussing how targeting senescent immune cells can promote healthy aging and resilience. He will also participate in the UN Model Aging Workshop on Sunday, June 29, from 9:00 to 10:45 am at Campus Magdeburger Straße, Ortho-HS.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Tüscher is a distinguished psychiatrist and neurologist specializing in resilience research and neuropsychiatry. Since October 2024, he has held the Chair of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, where he also heads the University Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics.

His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms of self-regulation, particularly emotion regulation and impulse control, and their roles in mental health and resilience. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques such as MRI and EEG, Prof. Tüscher investigates how these mechanisms contribute to healthy aging and the prevention of age-related psychiatric disorders.

At AIT 2025, Prof. Tüscher will participate in the panel discussion on Saturday, June 28, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm in the University Hospital Lecture Hall. He will also give a short lesson/impulse lecture on Sunday, June 29 (details in the program), discussing strategies to promote mental resilience in aging populations.

Prof. Patrick Jahn is a leading expert in nursing science and healthcare research at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. His work focuses on patient-centered care, particularly in oncology, cardiology, and geriatric medicine. He is known for bridging clinical practice with academic research—an approach that is unique in Germany.

With a background in nursing and international experience in Canada and Israel, Prof. Jahn combines practical expertise with cutting-edge research. His current projects include the BMBF-funded initiative “TDG – Translationsregion für digitalisierte Gesundheitsversorgung,” which aims to reshape healthcare through digital innovation.

At AIT 2025, Prof. Jahn will deliver a short lecture on Friday, June 27, from 9:30 to 10:00 am at the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. He will share insights into integrated care models and digital support systems that promote autonomy and healthy aging, especially for people with chronic conditions.

Dr. Jan Lüdert is the Head of Programs at the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) New York, where he leads initiatives to foster transatlantic collaboration in science, technology, and innovation. With over 20 years of experience in international relations and higher education, he has a strong focus on science diplomacy and building partnerships between Germany and the United States.

Prior to his role at DWIH New York, Dr. Lüdert served as Associate Professor and inaugural Director of Curriculum and Instruction at City University of Seattle. He has also held positions as a Visiting Research Scholar at the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies at the City University of New York’s Graduate Center and as a Research Associate with the German Research Fund ‘Dynamics of Security’ project at Philipps University of Marburg, Germany.

Dr. Lüdert earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of British Columbia (UBC), a First-Class Honors MA in International Relations from the Australian National University, and a BA in Public Policy from Hamburg University for Economics and Politics. He also holds a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School.

At AIT 2025, Dr. Lüdert will moderate the Model United Nations (MUN) Workshop (together with Dr. Wu & Dr. Yousefzadeh) on Sunday, June 29, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at Campus Magdeburger Straße, Ortho-HS. He will provide insights into the role of science diplomacy in promoting international collaboration and addressing global challenges related to healthy aging.

Prof. Dr. René Haak serves as the Science and Technology Counsellor at the German Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he fosters transatlantic collaboration in research and innovation. With a strong background in international science policy and economic affairs, he has held key positions in German federal institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Prof. Haak’s work focuses on building strategic partnerships between Germany and the United States in areas such as health research, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

At AIT 2025, he will deliver an opening speech entitled "Germany – Science Powerhouse: Cutting-Edge Research and Innovation in Turbulent Times" on Saturday, June 28, from 1:45 to 2:00 pm in the University Hospital Lecture Hall. He will provide insights into international research cooperation and the role of science diplomacy in addressing global challenges related to healthy aging.

Dr. Volkan Aykac is a distinguished specialist in internal medicine, geriatrics, and palliative care, currently serving as a senior consultant physician at the Evangelisches Geriatriezentrum Berlin (EGZB) – Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. With nearly a decade of experience, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of geriatric medicine. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Aykac is deeply committed to medical education as the Geriatrics Teaching Coordinator at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. From 2013 to 2018, he served as the Berlin site director for Harvard Medical School’s international clinical research program “Principles and Practice of Clinical Research.” Alongside his medical and educational activities, Dr. Aykac is also a talented musician and uses his musical abilities to support charitable causes.

At our AIT conference, Dr. Aykac will give a short lecture on Saturday, June 28, from 9:00 to 9:30 am in the University Hospital Lecture Hall. He will also participate in the panel discussion: “Healthy Aging – Opportunities, Limitations, Myths” on Saturday, June 28, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, sharing his clinical expertise and educational experience.