Research

Learn more about our research

Research & Key Themes

The project is structured into six work packages that provide the building blocks for BIO-COMPaSS which will address the following questions:

• How do bio and lifestyle factors contribute to health and disease?
• What mechanisms explain individual differences in health outcomes?
• Which biomarkers can determine your biological age?

This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between human movement scientists (with knowledge about exercise physiology, molecular biology, and behavioural changes), rehabilitation physicians, geroscientists, nutrition scientists, sports scientists, behavioural scientists, biomedical engineers, data scientists, mathematicians, geneticists, educational experts, implementation sciences and ethicists.

Work Packages

The project is structured into six interconnected work packages that provide the building blocks for BIO-COMPaSS:

1. sustainable behavioural change strategies via biomarkers of aging;
2. identification and validation of feasible, predictive, and responsive biomarkers of aging;
3. composite biological age measures for different groups;
4. personalized exercise and nutrition interventions;
5. knowledge application and implementation of BIO-COMPaSS through co-creation with stakeholders; and
6. four key areas of expertise support project activities: Data Science, Cohorts, Sensors & Wearables, and Infrastructure.

Each work package focuses on a key component of the system, together forming the building blocks of a personalised and sustainable approach to health.

In a large community-based field lab of citizens aged 30-67 and stakeholders, research findings will be tested and integrated to implement and validate the proof of concept of BIO-COMPaSS. These findings will inform the design and testing of the BIO-COMPaSS system in regions within the Netherlands.

WP1 – Sustainable Health Behavioural Change

This work package focuses on understanding and supporting long-term healthy behaviour. It explores how biological, psychological, and social factors influence lifestyle choices such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and smoking. A key aim is to use biological age as a motivating factor to encourage and sustain healthier habits.

WP2 – Biomarkers of Ageing

This work package investigates how biological age can be accurately measured. It focuses on identifying and validating biomarkers, such as epigenetic indicators, that reflect the pace of ageing and how this relates to lifestyle and individual characteristics.

WP3 – Combined Biological Age Clocks

This work package brings together different types of biological age measures (e.g. molecular, organ-specific, and non-invasive markers) to develop reliable and practical composite indicators. These combined measures aim to provide meaningful and actionable insights for individuals and healthcare applications.

WP4 – Personalised Exercise and Nutrition Interventions

This work package focuses on designing and testing personalised lifestyle interventions. Based on biological age and individual profiles, tailored exercise and nutrition strategies are developed to optimise health outcomes and reduce long-term disease risk.

WP5 – Knowledge Application and Implementation

This work package ensures that scientific insights are translated into real-world impact. It focuses on disseminating knowledge, developing practical applications, and implementing BIO-COMPaSS strategies in healthcare, sports, and community settings, while evaluating their effectiveness.

WP6 – Enabling Technologies and Infrastructure

The research in the WP1-WP5 is supported by four key areas of expertise providing the necessary technological and data infrastructure. This includes data science, cohort data, sensors and wearables, and research infrastructure, ensuring that innovative tools and systems can be developed and applied effectively.

Consortium & Partnerships

BIO-COMPaSS is a collaborative network consisting of:

• Universities and research institutes
• Healthcare professionals and clinical experts
• Societal organizations and patient representatives
• Industry and policy partners

This collaboration enables knowledge sharing, cross-disciplinary innovation, and the translation of research into real-world impact.

Innovation & Impact

BIO-COMPaSS is a multi-institutional consortium dedicated to improving health through the use of biological aging clocks and personalized approaches to disease prevention and management.

By integrating expertise from academia, clinical practice, and industry, we strengthen the connection between scientific research and practical application. Our work focuses on identifying, validating, and implementing biological clocks in both research and healthcare settings.

Through close collaboration with societal and industry partners, we translate scientific innovation into scalable solutions that support healthier aging and more personalized healthcare strategies.