From Human Performance to Precision Health in an Aging World: Noll Lab at 50

Project Summary / Abstract The American Physiological Society’s Integrative Physiology of Exercise (IPE) conference is the preeminent scientific meeting for researchers in human performance and integrative exercise physiology. Planning for the next biennial meeting is underway with a proposed Fall 2024 meeting venue at Penn State’s main campus to be held in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of Noll Laboratory, the Nation’s first and oldest free-standing research institute dedicated to the study of exercise and environmental physiology. This two-day conference will focus on the future of human performance and aging research, and other hot topics within integrative physiology. The program will start with a historical marker dedication and welcome reception followed by two days of research presentations and poster sessions on a range of topics including, but not limited to: The history of human performance research at Noll Lab; Effects of aging and physical activity on cardiovascular structure and function; Thermoregulation and blood pressure regulation in women across the lifespan; Aging and working in a hotter world; Lessons in resistance training and hypertrophy: update on molecular mechanisms; Exercise and experiments of nature; Climate change and kidney vulnerability in outdoor workers; Mechanisms of vascular endothelial insulin resistance and therapeutic targets for intervention; Exercise, energy balance, and reproductive health; Exercise and related strategies to counteract the health consequences of high dietary salt; Update on the molecular transducers of physical activity consortium (MoTrPAC); The role of physical activity and exercise in precision health; Modulators of oxygen supply–demand balance that influence endurance performance limits; The potential of artificial intelligence in human performance and integrative physiology research. Special sessions are also planned for 1) professional guidance for trainees, 2) an expert panel discussion of current research challenges and future opportunities for the field, and 3) a thought- provoking/engaging presentation open to the public. Based on previous in-person attendance at IPE conferences we anticipate that this conference will attract approximately 300 attendees, of which over 50% will be students. This application requests funds to defray travel and registration costs (junior investigators, underrepresented minorities, individuals with childcare/family responsibilities) and travel expenses (airfare, hotel, registration) for session speakers as determined by need.