Aubrey de Grey
Last verified
Leading the crusade against aging through scientific research and advocacy.
Aubrey de Grey, born in London, England, in 1963, is a prominent biomedical gerontologist based in Silicon Valley, California. He is widely recognized for his pioneering work in biogerontology and his role as the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation. De Grey advocates for Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS), aiming to use medical technology to prevent age-related diseases. He holds a BA and PhD from Trinity Hall, Cambridge. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
Aubrey de Grey - Biomedical Gerontologist · Silicon Valley, California, USA
Aubrey David Nicholas Jasper de Grey, born in London, England, in 1963, is a biomedical gerontologist known for his prominent role in biogerontology and his work on Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) [1]. He serves as the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation, a biomedical research and advocacy charity dedicated to repairing the molecular and cellular damage associated with aging [2]. De Grey's career is marked by his belief that medical technology can prevent human deaths from age-related causes [1, 10]. He holds academic credentials from Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he earned both his BA and PhD [1].
Aubrey David Nicholas Jasper de Grey was born on April 20, 1963, in London, England [1]. His educational journey began at Harrow School [1]. He later pursued higher education at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) [1]. De Grey initially worked in computer science and artificial intelligence for approximately a decade before shifting his focus to biology and the study of aging, as detailed in an interview with the New York Times [nytimes.com, 2007-04-15]. This transition was influenced by his realization that the scientific community largely overlooked aging as a problem that could be medically overcome [nytimes.com, 2007-04-15].
Aubrey de Grey is recognized as a biomedical gerontologist, specializing in the scientific study of aging [1]. His research interests center on identifying the various types of damage that contribute to mammalian aging and developing interventions to repair or prevent this damage [6]. He is the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation, an organization focused on repairing the molecular and cellular damage of aging [2, 6]. De Grey is also known for his contributions to the Hadwiger–Nelson problem in geometric graph theory, making significant progress on the problem after more than 60 years [1, 10]. He co-authored *Ending Aging* in 2007, and in 1999, he authored *The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging* [1]. Aubrey de Grey's TED Talk in October 2006, titled 'A roadmap to end aging,' further highlighted his views on combating biological aging [3].
Aubrey de Grey is particularly known for his concept of Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence, or SENS [1]. He views aging as an "engineering problem" that can be solved by identifying and addressing its underlying components [ted.com, 2007-07-27]. This approach involves identifying all the elements that cause human tissue to age and then designing specific remedies for each [ted.com, 2007-07-27]. The goal of SENS is to forestall disease and ultimately extend human lifespan by pushing back death [ted.com, 2007-07-27]. In July 2005, *MIT Technology Review* issued a challenge offering a $20,000 prize to any molecular biologist who could disprove de Grey's SENS claims, stating that the challenge remains open [ted.com, 2007-07-27].
Aubrey de Grey is the President and Chief Science Officer of LEVF [1]. He is also the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation, a biomedical research and advocacy charity dedicated to addressing aging [2]. Beyond these leadership roles, de Grey is a Fellow of both the Gerontological Society of America and the American Aging Association [6]. He also sits on the editorial and scientific advisory boards of various journals and organizations [6]. His work has been supported by the Methuselah Foundation, which, in part, funded the *MIT Technology Review*'s challenge regarding SENS [1, 7]. Aubrey de Grey also has associations with the SENS Research Foundation [1].
Aubrey de Grey is a sought-after speaker, frequently delivering invited talks at scientific conferences, universities, and to the public [6]. He has been designated a "Crusader against aging" by TED [3]. The *MIT Technology Review* has recognized him, stating, “Aubrey de Grey is a man of ideas, and he has set himself toward the goal of transforming the basis of what it means to be human” [mit.edu, 2005-07-01]. His public presence extends to social media, where he has cultivated a substantial following, including 72,884 followers on X and 24,000 followers on LinkedIn [4, 5]. He also maintains a Facebook page with 18,259 likes [3, 6]. These platforms serve as avenues for him to share his work and engage in discussions about aging and longevity [4, 5, 6].
Aubrey de Grey's distinct approach to biogerontology sets him apart from many in the field. Unlike researchers who focus on incremental advancements in understanding aging, de Grey advocates for a more radical approach, viewing aging as a curable disease rather than an inevitable part of life [ted.com, 2007-07-27; nytimes.com, 2007-04-15]. His Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) framework provides a comprehensive plan to repair the molecular and cellular damage of aging, a perspective that some in the scientific community find intriguing but not demonstrably wrong [ted.com, 2007-07-27]. While he co-authors journal articles with respected scientists, his provocative stance and bold claims sometimes create controversy [ted.com, 2007-07-27]. His role as Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation positions him as a leader in advocacy and research aimed at directly intervening in the aging process, distinct from organizations that may focus more broadly on age-related diseases without explicitly aiming for negligible senescence [xprize.org, 2024-08-04; facebook.com, 2024-08-04].
“Aubrey de Grey is a man of ideas, and he has set himself toward the goal of transforming the basis of what it means to be human.” - MIT Technology Review, July 2005 [mit.edu, 2005-07-01].
Profiles and links
Questions and answers
- Who is Aubrey de Grey?
- Aubrey de Grey is an English biomedical gerontologist, born on April 20, 1963, in London, England. He is widely recognized for his research in biogerontology and his advocacy for medical technologies to combat age-related diseases, as detailed on his Wikipedia page. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is Aubrey de Grey's academic background?
- Aubrey de Grey pursued his education at Harrow School and later attended Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he earned both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). His academic journey provided him with the foundation for his work in biogerontology. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is Aubrey de Grey known for?
- Aubrey de Grey is known for his work in biogerontology, the Hadwiger–Nelson problem in mathematics, and his involvement with organizations like the Methuselah Foundation and the SENS Research Foundation. He is a proponent of Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS). (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- Where does Aubrey de Grey reside?
- Aubrey de Grey is a biomedical gerontologist based in Silicon Valley, California, USA. This location also serves as the operational hub for the LEV Foundation, which he founded. He is actively involved in advocating for longevity research globally. (Source: xprize.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What organizations is Aubrey de Grey affiliated with?
- Aubrey de Grey is the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation, a prominent biomedical research and advocacy charity. He is also significantly associated with the Methuselah Foundation and the SENS Research Foundation, both dedicated to life extension. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is the LEV Foundation?
- The LEV Foundation, founded by Aubrey de Grey, is a biomedical research and advocacy charity. Its primary focus is on repairing the molecular and cellular damage associated with aging, aiming to develop interventions to obviate this damage. (Source: xprize.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What are Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS)?
- Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence (SENS) is an approach advocated by Aubrey de Grey that involves identifying all components causing human tissue to age and designing remedies for each. The goal is to forestall disease and push back death, as outlined in his TED Talk. (Source: ted.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What books has Aubrey de Grey authored or co-authored?
- Aubrey de Grey is the author of "The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging," a foundational work published in 1999. He also notably co-authored "Ending Aging" in 2007, both of which are significant contributions to the field of biogerontology. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- Has Aubrey de Grey given a TED Talk?
- Yes, Aubrey de Grey delivered a TED Talk titled "A roadmap to end aging" in October 2006. In this talk, he proposed that the first human beings to live for 1,000 years have already been born. (Source: ted.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is the TED challenge related to SENS?
- In July 2005, the MIT Technology Review issued a challenge, offering a $20,000 prize to any molecular biologist who could disprove Aubrey de Grey's claims regarding SENS. This significant challenge remains officially open as of August 2026. (Source: ted.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is Aubrey de Grey's philosophy on aging?
- Aubrey de Grey believes that aging is a disease that can be cured if approached as an engineering problem. He argues that medical technology can prevent human deaths from age-related causes, as discussed in his various publications and talks. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What professional societies is Aubrey de Grey a member of?
- Aubrey de Grey is a distinguished Fellow of both the Gerontological Society of America and the American Aging Association. These prominent memberships underscore his recognized contributions and high standing within the scientific community dedicated to advancing aging research. (Source: xprize.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- How does Aubrey de Grey compare to other longevity researchers?
- Aubrey de Grey is known for his bold and sometimes controversial proclamations regarding aging, distinguishing him from some peers. The MIT Technology Review, in 2005, noted that his SENS ideas exist in a "middle ground of yet-to-be-tested ideas." (Source: ted.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is Aubrey de Grey's role at the LEV Foundation?
- Aubrey de Grey serves as the Founder, President, and Chief Science Officer of the LEV Foundation. In this pivotal role, he spearheads the foundation's comprehensive efforts in biomedical research and advocacy, specifically related to combating and reversing the aging process. (Source: xprize.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- When was Aubrey de Grey born?
- Aubrey de Grey was born on April 20, 1963, in London, England. He is a prominent biogerontologist. As of 2026, he is 63 years old. (Source: en.wikipedia.org, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What was Aubrey de Grey's initial career path?
- Before becoming a biomedical gerontologist, Aubrey de Grey initially worked in computer science and artificial intelligence for approximately a decade. He transitioned to studying aging after realizing the lack of widespread scientific interest in the topic. (Source: thedissenter.net, verified 2026-08-04.)
- How can I follow Aubrey de Grey's work?
- You can follow Aubrey de Grey's work through various platforms, including his active X (formerly Twitter) account @aubreydegrey, where he regularly shares updates. He also frequently delivers invited talks at scientific conferences and other organizations globally. (Source: x.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What are Aubrey de Grey's upcoming speaking engagements?
- Aubrey de Grey is scheduled to speak in a suburb of Salt Lake City on August 12, 2026. He will also be attending the "How The Light Gets In" festival in London on September 19-20, 2026. (Source: x.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- How can I contact Aubrey de Grey or his foundation?
- Information for directly contacting Aubrey de Grey or the LEV Foundation is not readily available in the provided sources. However, you can explore their work through the LEV Foundation website (levf.org, via his X profile) and follow him on social media for updates. (Source: x.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What is the quote about Aubrey de Grey from MIT Technology Review?
- The MIT Technology Review states, "Aubrey de Grey is a man of ideas, and he has set himself toward the goal of transforming the basis of what it means to be human." This quote highlights his ambitious vision. (Source: ted.com, verified 2026-08-04.)
- What are Aubrey de Grey's social media statistics?
- As of August 2026, Aubrey de Grey commands a significant online presence with 72,884 followers on X (formerly Twitter) and 24,000 followers on LinkedIn. His Facebook page further boasts 18,259 likes, indicating broad engagement with his work. (Source: x.com, verified 2026-08-04.)