Leading biologist will explore cutting-edge science in Frontiers of Aging address 

LAGRANGE, GA, March 12, 2019 - ARCS® Foundation (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) is proud to announce Dr. Patrick Phillips will deliver the keynote address for the 2019 ARCS All Members Conference (AMC) in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Dr. Phillips is a professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Oregon and an expert in ecology and evolution and the genetics of complex traits. He also serves as the special advisor to the president of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact and is a member of the NIH Center for Excellence in Microbial Ecology and Theory of Animals (META) for Systems Biology.

In his address, Dr. Phillips will discuss his research on the science of aging that addresses the age-old question: can we live forever? His findings on the biological basis of aging focus on identifying genes and chemical agents that can increase health span and longevity. Dr. Phillips will examine challenges and opportunities created by the potential for prolonging human life and what this means for the future.

Dr. Phillips has been a loyal advocate for the ARCS Foundation Oregon Chapter since its affiliation with the University of Oregon (UO) in 2015.

 “It is a great honor to be asked to be the keynote speaker for ARCS 2019 AMC,” said Dr. Phillips. “I am very happy to contribute and share some of the cutting-edge work being done in the field of aging biology. It is an exciting time for research in this area. Everyone is affected somehow by the consequences of our rapidly aging population. How great it would be to make everyone much healthier as they get older.”

Dr. Phillips’ research helped pioneer the understanding of how complex genetic interactions shape the way organisms develop, behave, and evolve. Today, he applies these approaches to discover how to increase human health-spans and decrease the impacts of environmental stress over a lifetime.

“I can’t think of a more accomplished individual to deliver this year’s address on emerging discoveries in science and technology than Dr. Patrick Phillips. His work and findings in the biology behind human aging will make for a fascinating discussion that is sure to be of interest to all,” said Andi Purple, president of ARCS Foundation.

After more than 60 years of supporting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ARCS Foundation scholars, members, and supporters are consistently pushing the limits of scientific competitiveness in the United States. With AMC carrying the slogan “Exploring New Frontiers,” attendees can expect a full agenda of leading experts discussing groundbreaking innovations in various scientific disciplines. The AMC will be held September 18-21, 2019.

Members, Scholars, Alumni, Academic Partners, and Friends of ARCS Foundation who share a passion for the mission of ARCS Foundation are invited to join attendees from across the country for this three-day event. Registration opens online on Monday, March 25, 2019. For more information, visit the ARCS Foundation conference webpage.