Increasing awareness and accessibility of dementia research
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"Dementia designates a group of related symptoms associated with an ongoing decline in brain functioning including memory loss, confusion, mood changes and difficulty with day-to-day tasks. According to Alzheimer’s Society, around 850,000 people suffer from dementia in the UK, and the numbers are estimated to go up to 1.4 million in 2040 due to the ageing population."

Hi everyone, we are the UCL Dementia Research Society. Students from absolutely all backgrounds are welcome to engage in a common objective of raising social and scientific awareness about the latest issues concerning dementia. We believe that scientific awareness is the foundation of scientific advancement. By fostering thoughtful discussions and spotlighting the latest innovations, we aim to bridge the gap between research and higher society engagement in this field.

We aim to deal with the academic aspect of the syndrome by making the scientific facts more easily accessible to students through seminars, lectures, lab visits, and journal clubs in the hope of making a meaningful contribution to the ongoing dementia research at UCL. Gain valuable insights into the latest breakthroughs in dementia research, presented by leading researchers and academics in the field. Hear first-hand from postdocs, PhD, and master’s students as they share their research journeys and experiences. Whether you’re interested in cutting-edge technologies, exploring opportunities in dementia research, or simply looking to learn more about this vital area of study, our community has something for everyone.

If you’re interested in participating in our events or collaborating on projects, do not hesitate to contact us directly!

Events

Academic Talk: Genetic and environmental risk factors of Alzheimer’s Disease
05/02/2026 | 17:00 - 18:00

Genetic and environmental risk factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

Join us for an exciting talk on understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors in Alzheimer's disease by Melissa Barber, who is currently a research fellow at UKDRI. She completed her PhD in Developmental Neurobiology in Prof. John Parnavelas’ lab at UCL. Her research focuses on how genetic and environmental risk factors

Academic Talk with Dr Sarah Mizielinska: Mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic dysfunction in FTD and ALS
10/02/2026 | 17:00 - 18:00

Mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic dysfunction in FTD and ALS: by Dr Sarah Mizielinska

Dr Sarah Mizielinska is a Group Leader at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences and an expert in nuclear organisation and chromatin architecture. Her research explores how the 3D structure of the genome influences gene regulation and cell identity, with implications for development and disease. In this talk, Dr

Postgraduate Panel & Networking Event
11/02/2026 | 18:00 - 20:00

Postgraduate Panel & Networking Event: Neuroscience and Dementia Research

Join us for an evening of discussion and networking with postgraduate researchers working across neuroscience and dementia research. This panel event offers a chance to learn more about PhD students’ current research, spanning areas such as AI applications in neuroscience, neuroimaging, computational approaches, and

Panel Discussion: PhD Research and Application
26/02/2026 | 18:00 - 19:30

PhD Research Panel: Pathways into Neuroscience and Dementia Research

Thinking about pursuing a PhD in neuroscience or dementia research? Join us for an interactive panel featuring current PhD students who will share their research journeys, projects, and practical advice on navigating the PhD application process.

Panelists will discuss how they chose their research topics, secured funding and

Academic Talk: mechanisms linking psychiatric disorders with cognitive decline and dementia
03/03/2026 | 17:00 - 18:00

Talk: mechanisms linking psychiatric disorders with cognitive decline and dementia

Dr Jean Stafford is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science, with research expertise in dementia epidemiology and the mental health of older adults. She is currently completing a four-year Alzheimer’s Society Postdoctoral Fellowship (2024–2028), investigating the

UCL DRS X UCL Women In STEM - Academic Talk with PhD student: Using forebrain organoid and microglia models to study familial frontotemporal dementia
04/03/2026 | 18:30 - 19:30

How do we model human dementia in a dish?

UCL Dementia Research Society and UCL Women in STEM Society are organising a research talk by Sophie (PhD, UCL Institute of Neurology), who is using human iPSC-derived brain organoids and microglia to uncover how genetic mutations drive familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD)

Sophie is a PhD student in the Wray Lab at the Institute of Neurology,