The event 'YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT – Does food impact the ageing process?', that will take place on 10 June 2025 at the Representation of the European region Tyrol – South Tyrol – Trentino in Brussels, will explore the connection between nutrition and healthy ageing, with a particular focus on degenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer. Hosted by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen - South Tyrol and Marche Region in hybrid format, it brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners to discuss how food systems contribute to health and longevity. Keynote addresses from experts in food science and urban health will be complemented by two panel debates: one examining food as a tool for disease prevention, and the other considering its role in treatment and active ageing. The event will close with forward-looking reflections and networking opportunities.

Registration available here. 

Agenda: 

Moderation: Luca Cocolin PhD, Food Biotechnology, Professor (Full) at University of Turin TBC

09:00 Welcome Coffee

9:30  Keynote speeches  by Dr. Alberto Ceccon (Head of the NMR Spectroscopy Laboratory, Laimburg Research Centre, Bolzano, Italy) and Prof. Emanuele Boselli (Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy)

10:15 Panel Debate 1 – Food as Prevention? with Herbert Dorfmann (Member to the European Parliament), Peter Defranceschi (Network ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability), Karan Courtney Haag (UNICEF Regional Nutrition Specialist TBC), Simon Lechat (Manger Demain Initiative)

11:15 Coffee break

11:30 Keynote speech by Paulo Morgado,Urban Health Cluster coordinator, eMOTIONAL Cities coordinator, University of Lisbon

11:45 Panel Debate 2 – Food as Treatment? with Francesca Gastaldon (Promis Salute), Antonella Passarani (ERIAFF  WG Agriculture Social Innovation), Cristina Gagliardi (INRCA-IRCCS - National Institute of Health and Science on Ageing) 

12:45 Food for thought on the future post 2027 Speaker TBA

13:00 Conclusions followed by a Networking light lunch kindly offered by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano/Bozen-South Tyrol