IMAGING BIOMARKERS OF AGING

TOPIM 2026 | Edition #17

IMAGING BIOMARKERS OF AGING

Since 2007, TOPIM – hot TOPics in IMaging Science – has been a thematic, one-week residential conference at the cutting edge of science, held in a unique and inspiring location in the stunning surroundings of an ancient monastery in Tuscany during the last week of August.

The Concept

The idea is simple yet challenging: choose a “hot” topic in imaging science, bring together a group of international scientists from different disciplines and career stages to spend one week in a unique, beautiful, and inspiring place to discuss science and open up new horizons!

The Theme

Imaging Biomarkers of Aging

Imaging holds tremendous potential to transform our understanding of the biological processes underlying aging – a potential that has only begun to be explored.

TOPIM 2026 on Imaging Biomarkers of Aging explores how cutting-edge imaging technologies can become key tools for characterizing and quantifying age-related changes. The conference will highlight emerging concepts, early findings, and future directions in using structural, functional, and molecular imaging to detect subtle alterations, identify risk profiles, and guide preventive or therapeutic strategies.

By fostering dialogue among imaging scientists with experts in developmental biology and in aging-related diseases of the cardiovascular, central nervous, musculoskeletal and immune systems as well as cancer, we build a foundation for integrating imaging into the broader landscape of aging research..

Good to know

  • All attendees are accommodated at the Certosa Di Pontignano where also lectures and meals will take place.
  • The registration fee includes accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee breaks).
  • All attendees are asked to stay for the entire duration of the conference.
  • Participation is limited to 70.
  • Priority is given to all who submit an (accepted) abstract.
In cooperation with the University of Siena
Abstract Submission
Travel
Diving into the topic – Keynote / Introductory Lectures
  • Decoding Longevity
  • Cellular Mechanisms of Aging
Topics covered
  • The Role of Aging & Cancer
  • Aging in Developmental Biology
  • Aging of the Cardiovascular System
  • Aging of the Immune System
  • Aging of the CNS
  • Aging of the Musculoskeletal System
  • Prevention of Aging-Related Diseases

Speakers to be announced.

Timeline
  • 14 April | Opening Submission & Registration
  • 12 May | Abstract Deadline
  • 26 May | Notification to Presenters
  • 24-28 August | TOPIM 2026
The Committee
  • Fabian Kiessling – Aachen (Chair)
  • Bernd Pichler – Tübingen (Co-Chair)
  • Joris Deelen – Leiden
  • Bettina Weigelin – Tübingen
  • Tim Witney – London
  • Nicola Di Stefano – Siena, Italy (Advisory Member)

Location