Welcome

Welcome to the AFN Summit 2025, where we will gather to explore and advance multidisciplinary approaches to frailty and dementia.

This summit brings together students, early career researchers, health practitioners/allied health professionals, and consumer representatives dedicated to improving outcomes and quality of life for people living with frailty.

We are thrilled to announce that leading frailty expert Professor Kenneth Rockwood will be joining us as our keynote speaker, who will be presenting alongside a distinguished lineup of professionals and researchers in the field.

Expect a dynamic program featuring a mix of information sessions, interactive workshops, career development opportunities, and ample networking. With significant consumer involvement, this summit aims to foster collaboration and innovation in improving hospital care for people living with frailty.

Join us in Sydney on 20-21 February 2025 for an inspiring event filled with insightful presentations, innovative research, and collaborative discussions. Together, we can make a significant impact on the future of healthcare for people with frailty.

Event Information

Date & Location

The AFN Summit 2025 will be held at the NSW Teachers Federation Conference Centre from 20–21 February 2025.

Travel

The conference centre is conveniently located within walking distance from Sydney Central Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. 

From Sydney Airport (SYD):

• Train: Take the train from the International Airport Station to Central Station. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
• Bus: You can take a bus from Sydney International Airport to Town Hall Station, Park St, Stand K. From there, it’s a short walk to the venue. The bus journey takes about 28 minutes.
• Rideshare/Taxi: The trip takes approximately 10-15 minutes with rideshare or taxi,

For more details, you can use the NSW trip planner.

Program

The full program will be released soon. Stay tuned!

Keynote Speakers

Professor Kenneth Rockwood

Professor Kenneth Rockwood is Professor of Medicine (Geriatric Medicine & Neurology) at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and he is a prominent figure in the field of geriatric medicine. Professor Rockwood is widely recognised for his research on frailty and ageing, particularly for developing the frailty index and the Clinical Frailty Scale, which are used in healthcare systems globally.

He has authored over 600 peer-reviewed publications and several books, making significant contributions to our understanding of frailty, dementia, and delirium. His work has earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the Order of Canada for his outstanding contributions to geriatric medicine.

Professor Ruth Hubbard

Professor Ruth Hubbard holds the position of the Masonic Chair of Geriatric Medicine at The University of Queensland, and is the newly appointed Director of Internal and Geriatric Medicine at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. Her academic journey began at St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, followed by training in general internal medicine and geriatric medicine in Cardiff, Wales.

Professor Hubbard is highly regarded for her research on frailty in older adults. She has published extensively on the inflammatory causes of frailty and its measurement in clinical practice. She is also the Founder and Director of the Australian Frailty Network (AFN).

Professor Sarah Hilmer

Professor Sarah Hilmer AM FAHMS is Head of Department of Clinical Pharmacology and a Geriatrician at the Royal North Shore Hospital and conjoint Professor of Conjoint Professor of Geriatric Pharmacology at The University of Sydney. Her translational research at the Kolling Institute investigates the impact of frailty on the body’s response to medications and the impact of medications on frailty. 

She chairs the Sydney Health Partners Geriatric Medicine Clinical Academic Group, NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group, the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Clinical and Translational Section and its Geriatric Committee.  She is involved in teaching and mentoring multi-disciplinary students and clinicians.  She contributes significantly to research, clinical practice and policy in geriatric pharmacology.

Submit an Abstract

We invite students, early career researchers, and health practitioners/allied health professionals to submit abstracts for the poster display at the AFN Summit 2025.

The theme is ‘Improving healthcare for people with frailty’, but we will consider submissions on any topic related to improving health outcomes for people with frailty.

Two submissions will also be invited to present a rapid-fire talk on Friday 21 February 2025.

⇒ SUBMIT ABSTRACT HERE ⇐

Specifications

Abstract

Abstracts must contain the following subheadings:

• Title
• Background & Rationale
• Methods 
• Results
• Discussion & Conclusion

There is a max character limit of 2,000 (incl. spaces). References, figures, and tables are not permitted in the abstract.

Poster

Size: Portrait A1 (59.4 cm x 84.1 cm)

Rapid Fire Talks

Two submissions will be invited to present rapid-fire talks on Friday 21 February 2025. These presentations will be a maximum of three minutes and may be supported by up to three PowerPoint slides. More information about the rapid-fire talk will be provided with the invitations.

Key Dates

• Submissions Open: Monday 16 September 2024
• Submissions Close: Sunday 27 October 2024
• Outcome Notifications: Week commencing 18 November 2024
• Registration Deadline for Successful Applicants: Friday 6 December 2024

Important Information

Abstract submissions must be made online via the link on this page by 11:59 pm AEST on Sunday 27 October 2024. There will not be any extensions beyond this date.

Successful submitters will be notified via email the week of 18 November 2024.

All selected presenters must confirm their participation by Friday 6 December 2024.

Accepted submitters must register, pay the registration fee, and attend the Summit in person.

Registration

Registrations open soon!