The Institute of Healthy Ageing interdisciplinary centre of excellence for research on the biology of ageing and ageing-related diseases. The biological process of ageing contributes to increased risk of a wide range of diseases, from neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease) and cancer to cardiovascular disease (causing heart attack and stroke) and age-related macular degeneration (causing blindness in the elderly). Our primary purpose is to bring together researchers working on the basic biology of ageing (biogerontology) with those working to understand the causes of ageing-related disease. By merging biogerontology and the study of ageing-related diseases, we aim to develop a new translational biogerontology using the ageing process as a point of intervention to protect against the diseases of old age. Our goal is to improve the health and quality of life for older people.