We’re proud to welcome three exceptional early-career scientists to the Race Against Dementia Fellowship community. Supported by Alzheimer’s Research UK, these rising stars are challenging old ideas and driving bold new approaches to accelerate progress in dementia research.
Dr Richard Taylor – King’s College London
Richard is uncovering how changes to RNA – the molecules that help cells make proteins – influence the way brain connections function as we age. His work aims to reveal how these molecular shifts contribute to both damage and protection in the brain, opening up new possibilities for prevention and treatment.
Dr Soraya Meftah – The University of Edinburgh
Soraya is investigating why certain brain cells become overactive in Alzheimer’s disease, using live human brain tissue to understand this process in real time. She will also test whether cutting-edge gene therapy could help calm this harmful overactivity.
Dr Helen Rowland – University of Oxford
Helen is exploring how viral infections such as herpes and COVID-19 affect different types of brain cells, and how the major risk gene APOE4 might shape the brain’s response. Her research has the potential to shed new light on why some people are more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s Disease after infection.
Together, these Fellows bring fresh energy, creativity and ambition to the field – exactly what’s needed to speed up the breakthroughs so many families are waiting for. We are delighted to support their work and look forward to the impact they will make.
