Ilaria Bellantuono

Professor Ilaria Bellantuono is a Professor of Musculoskeletal Ageing and Co-Director of the Healthy Lifespan Institute (HELSI) at the University of Sheffield. She holds a clinical background with an MD and PhD in gene therapy, and her research focuses on delaying age-related diseases and frailty through geroprotectors. She co-leads UKAgeNet and contributes to European initiatives to advance therapies targeting biological ageing mechanisms.

Research Areas: Combining stem cell biology with gerontology, she investigates DNA repair deficiencies, cellular senescence, and multimorbidity. Her work bridges preclinical models (e.g., mouse and zebrafish) to clinical trials, emphasizing translational research. Notable contributions include validating geroprotectors like zoledronate and establishing protocols for healthspan assessment in aging mice.

Awards & Recognition: Recipient of the 2024 Dunhill Medical Trust Excellence in Leadership Award. Her work has been published in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Protocols, and Mechanisms of Ageing and Development.

Professional Activities: Formerly directed the MRC-ARUK Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research. Currently chairs the BBSRC Bioscience Skills and Careers Strategy panel. Active in policy-making for aging research infrastructure and training programs.