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Plenary Speakers

We are delighted to share our confirmed plenary speakers:

  1. Dr Sarah Harper, Clore Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford
  2. Dr Emi Kiyota, Associate Professor at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore

Dr Sarah Harper

Sarah is  Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing. Sarah  was appointed a CBE for services to Demography in 2018 and Chair of the NGO HelpAge International in 2024. She served on the Prime Minister’s Council for Science and Technology, which advises the UK Prime Minister on the scientific evidence for strategic policies, and  chaired the UK government’s Foresight Review on Ageing Populations (2014-2016) and   advised on the Industrial Strategy Healthy Ageing Challenge.  Sarah is a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and of the Royal Anthropology Institute and holds a Royal Society for Public Health Arts and Health Research Award for her research.

Sarah has a background in population studies and her early research focused on migration and the social implications of demographic change, using a mixed methods approach. Her current research on demographic change addresses two broad questions: the implications  of falling fertility and increasing life expectancy, and the interaction of population change with the environment. 

Dr Emi Kiyota

Associate Professor Emi Kiyota is an internationally recognized expert in environmental gerontology, participatory design, and inclusive urban development. With over two decades of experience, she is dedicated to creating age-inclusive, resilient communities that promote dignity and well-being across all stages of life.

As the founder and director of Ibasho, a nonprofit organization, Dr. Kiyota has led initiatives that empower older adults to co-create community spaces in culturally diverse settings—including Japan, Nepal, the Philippines, and the United States. These efforts not only support healthy aging but also foster intergenerational solidarity and social cohesion, key priorities in the context of global population aging.

Dr. Kiyota has advised leading international organizations such as the World Bank, the World Health Organization, and the Asian Development Bank on aging and inclusive urban design. Her academic work bridges research and practice at the intersection of social infrastructure, design innovation, and community empowerment.

Currently an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore, Dr. Kiyota works closely with urban planners, architects, and policymakers to shape sustainable and equitable environments that meet the needs of rapidly changing populations. Her work offers valuable insight into how societies can adapt to demographic shifts through inclusive, community-driven solutions.