This KPA consists of a Center of Excellence, CECAD, funded through the DFG in the second funding line for the second period. The Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD) provides an extremely dynamic environment for research into the aging process and related diseases. The aim of CECAD is to understand the general mechanisms underlying the aging process. The vision of the cluster is to enable new therapies for aging-associated diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders to be developed. CECAD takes an interdisciplinary and international approach -- its outstanding research teams working in six main project areas, enable the group to maintain a leading position in international research on the aging process.