Recap from the SMN Webinar: The Biological Cost of Chronic Stress

On November 7, 2025, we hosted a special webinar, “The Biological Cost of Chronic Stress: Allostatic Load and Newer Conceptualizations.” The event brought together leading scholars and emerging voices in stress science to discuss how chronic stress “gets under the skin” and shapes health across the lifespan.

The session opened with introductory remarks from Dr. Elissa Epel, followed by four keynote presentations offering new insights into the science of allostasis and allostatic load:

• Dr. Peter Sterling – Allostasis: A New “Standard” Medical Model

• Dr. Robert-Paul Juster – Adapting Allostatic Algorithms

• Dr. Cathal McCrory – Stress Measurement: Future Directions

• Dr. Eileen Crimmins – Biological Age: What is it and How does it Relate to Stress

A dynamic Data Blitz highlighted innovative approaches to measuring and modeling multisystem stress processes, and included work on mitochondrial function, neural correlates of allostatic load, diurnal cortisol patterns, physical activity, and machine-learning–based biomarkers.

The event concluded with an open discussion moderated by Dr. Wendy Berry Mendes and closing remarks from Dr. Laura Kubzansky.

We are grateful to the speakers and attendees for contributing to such a vibrant and forward-looking conversation about the future of stress science.

Watch the full recording HERE.