Dementia Support Line
2019 Dementia Research Leaders award winners announced
Winners of the 2019 Dementia Research Leaders awards have been announced for our two categories, Rising Star in dementia research and Outstanding early-career contribution to dementia research.
Rising star
The overall winner in the Rising Star category was Gemma Roberts from Newcastle University. Her Alzheimer's Society funded research aims to improve certain types of medical scan used to diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies.
Our panel were really impressed by Gemma’s dedication to her research and track record in a desperately-needed field.
The panel praised Gemma’s commitment to her role as an ambassador for dementia research, which includes Dementia Friends Sessions, presenting to MPs and even science stand-up comedy..!
We unanimously agreed that Gemma was an asset to the dementia research community.
Gemma Roberts with Jeremy Hughes (Chief Executive, Alzheimer’s Society).
Outstanding contribution
The overall winner in the Outstanding contribution category was won jointly by Nathan Davies from the University College London and Lauren Walker from Newcastle University.
Nathan Davies, Lauren Walker and Gemma Roberts with Fiona Carragher (Chief Policy and Research Officer, Alzheimer’s Society) and Jeremy Hughes (Chief Executive, Alzheimer’s Society).
Nathan's research has focused on family carers’ experiences of end of life care for people with dementia.
The panel were impressed by the contribution to dementia research that he has made in just a few years.
They noted the importance of improving end of life care for people affected by dementia and Nathan’s commitment to patient and public involvement.
Lauren is a neuropathologist whose research aims to identify potential drug targets and pathways that are specific for the neurodegenerative diseases that cause dementia.
Our panel agreed that Lauren’s research will lead to genuine change for people affected by dementia.
Lauren's shown leadership and a true commitment to dementia research.
