Oslo, 02 September 2026

A vibrant celebration of ageing, brain health and collaboration

On 31 August–1 September 2026, we had the great pleasure of organising the 12th NO-Age/AD Conference and the 4th Norway–UK Conference on Ageing and Dementia, this year with a special focus on brain resilience. The event brought together an inspiring international community to exchange ideas, share discoveries and build new connections across the ageing and dementia research field.

The two-day conference was opened by Prof. Dr. Hanne F. Harbo, Dean of the UiO Faculty of Medicine, together with Prof. Dr. Ole Petter Ottersen, former Rector of both the University of Oslo and Karolinska Institutet. Nearly 40 speakers from Norway, the UK, USA, Denmark, Singapore, China, Hungary and Sweden delivered exciting presentations spanning the broad landscape of ageing, brain health and dementia research.

A particular highlight was Prof. Masud Husain (University of Oxford), current Editor-in-Chief of BRAIN, who shared valuable and practical advice on how to write a high-quality scientific paper. The conference also placed a strong spotlight on the next generation of researchers. Six young scientists were invited to present their latest discoveries in dedicated oral sessions, while three poster sessions provided a lively platform for further exchange, with four outstanding posters receiving Best Poster Awards.

Beyond the science, we wanted the meeting to be a place for people to connect, relax and experience a little of Norwegian culture. Our pre-conference programme included a visit to Bogstad Gård—the Norwegian “Downton Abbey”—followed by cultural highlights on both days, featuring the Norwegian national costume, Bunad, and traditional singing. We also enjoyed a refreshing hike around Nøklevann and Ulsrudvann in Oslo, giving participants an opportunity to continue conversations in a more informal setting.

With both on-site and online participation, approximately 200 participants joined the events. The enthusiasm, intensive discussions and open interactions throughout the meeting made this a truly memorable gathering—and a wonderful reflection of the collaborative spirit of the NO-Age/AD and Norway–UK communities.

A heartfelt thank you

We sincerely thank our fantastic organising committee, especially DPhil student Beatriz Escobar Doncel, DPhil student Johannes Frank, postdoc Dr. Sofie H. Lautrup, and postdoc Dr. Shuqin Cao, whose tremendous effort and dedication helped make the conference possible. We are equally grateful to all our sponsors and partners, especially Wiley Advanced, META STAR, Age LAB, Gates Ventures, NAS, NYO3 and NO-Age, for their generous support.

Relive the meeting

Below are some pictures and videos capturing moments from the conference. If you are a speaker or participant and appear in any of the pictures or videos but would prefer not to be shown, please contact Evandro Fang at e.f.fang@medisin.uio.no, and we will promptly remove the relevant material.

If you would like to use any of the pictures, please acknowledge NO-Age/AD.

Thank you to everyone who made these two days so special. We look forward to continuing the conversations, collaborations and friendships—and to welcoming you to the 5th Norway–UK Meeting in 2027 or 2028!

Here is a list of Norway-UK Conferences we organized / are going to organize:
2026-08-31 to 09-01:
The 4th Norway-UK Conference on Ageing and Dementia– a focus on brain resilience;
summary

2025-11-27 to 28:
The 3rd Norway-UK Meeting on Ageing and Dementia – A Focus on Autophagy
Summary.

2024-04-22:
The 2nd Norway-UK meeting on ageing and dementia.  
Summary.

2023-09-18 to 19
The 1st Norway-UK joint meeting on ageing and dementia.
Summary

Organizers:
Evandro F. Fang-Stavem (Oslo, Norway)
Lynne Cox (Oxford, UK)
Richard Siow (KCL, UK)
Dag Årsland (KCl of UK and Stavanger of Norway)

Co-organizers
Linda Bergersen, Jon Storm-Mathisen, Hilde Nilsen (UiO, Norway)
Asgeir Kobro-Flatmoen (NTNU, Norway)