The research team

Director of Research and Development

Doug's Background

My background's always been in research - I did a PhD in Molecular Biology at Cambridge University and then spent three years as a post doctoral fellow at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research in London. I then jumped out of the lab and into the office to work at the Multiple Sclerosis Society where I led the biomedical research programme ensuring that we funded high quality research that was important to people affected by MS.

What is your role at Alzheimer's Society?

My role at the Society is to work with colleagues to build on the successes of our research programme to date and help take it to the next level to enable our vision of a world without dementia. In addition to leading the research programme I'll be member of the Strategic Leadership Team where I'll work with colleagues to provide strategic leadership to the organisation to ensure we remain relevant and at the forefront of leading the fight against dementia.

Why Alzheimer's and dementia?

Dementia can be devastating and like so many people I've experienced it first hand. Given that, and my passion for the charity sector and for leading research programmes, the opportunity to join the Society was one not to be missed. The Society is making a real difference to people affected now and by funding research we can develop new services, find ways of preventing dementia and hopefully eventually cure it in the future.

What are your interests outside of work?

I spend a lot of time with my family and my two young children generally dictate what happens outside of work! Aside from that I like to go running, watch rugby and cook gourmet meals for friends and family.