An unconventional route to Professorship – meet Prof Tammaryn Lashley

Written by Prof Tammaryn Lashley, UCL Regional Network Lead

It has been a huge privilege to be promoted to Professor after being at University College London (UCL) for 20 years.

The route I have taken to this promotion has not been the most conventional.

It started with me studying Biochemistry at Swansea University. I didn’t get the best grade for my undergraduate degree, which meant any PhD applications were not competitive. I was successful in obtaining a research technician position at the National Institute of Medical Research working on spinal cord regeneration in Professor Geoffrey Raisman’s group. This meant I could gain valuable laboratory experience, which gave me transferrable lab skills and I moved to the Institute of Neurology continuing as a histology technician for Professor Tamas Revesz. It was whilst working at Queen Square that I was given the opportunity to undertake a PhD investigating two rare hereditary dementia’s and having worked in a lab for four years I had the skills in the lab to hit the ground running.

I also didn’t take the most conventional route whilst undertaking my PhD…

This photo is of me pipetting, from when I was in New York running experiments for my PhD, I was actually pregnant here with my eldest daughter!

My PhD was part-time as I undertook the histology for the post-mortem brains donated to Queen Square Brain Bank and I also had my first two children. I also spent a proportion of my PhD at New York University to learn biochemical techniques in analysing amyloids for Professor Blas Frangione and Professor Jorge Ghiso. Life was busy and I needed to learn to be as organised as possible, I could only work 9 to 5 and couldn’t work in the lab at weekends, because of the children and balancing my husband’s newly launched architectural business. My studies were planned as much as humanly possible, whilst at work I maximised lab work and read and wrote my thesis whilst at home and the kids were in bed!

Through various project grants supported by Professor Revesz I was able to remain at Queen Square Brain Bank, gaining experience on various neurodegenerative diseases from Alzheimer’s disease to Parkinson’s disease. It was during this time I was able to put together ideas for my Alzheimer’s Research UK junior fellowship to investigate the role of hnRNP proteins in frontotemporal dementia. During this time I had my youngest daughter which also gave me time to think about future ideas that I wanted to pursue. I began making my own collaborations around UCL and worldwide to expand techniques beyond pathological analysis to dissect the underlying mechanisms causing dementia. I was awarded an Alzheimer’s Research UK Senior Fellowship to continue my studies into Frontotemporal dementias. Throughout my career I have detailed the hallmarks in diseases that cause dementia, identified proteins that could be used as potential markers for individual diseases, with the use of post-mortem brain tissue being central to all of my investigations.

“I began making my own collaborations around UCL and worldwide to expand techniques…”

Over the years I have been successful in obtaining various project grants to grow my research group. I now head a group of researchers who complement and support each other. We now undertake proteomic, transcriptomic, lipidomic analysis paired with our pathological investigations. In 2019 I was appointed the Director of Research at Queen Square Brain Bank and promotion to Professor is further recognition of my commitment not only to the dementia research field, but also a commitment in supporting early career researchers to also progress their careers.

Being promoted to this position is a huge privilege. It would not have been possible without many people in my life including my husband, kids and family. I also have many people to thank at UCL and beyond for believing in me, for guiding me and allowing me to grow as a scientist. I’m also indebted to those who have donated their brains for dementia research. I am excited by the prospects of the DEMON Network, and as a Regional Lead for UCL I am looking forward to working with data scientists, artificial intelligence experts and clinicians in this national network to find innovative ways of combating dementia.

“Over the years I have been successful in obtaining various project grants to grow my research group. I now head a group of researchers who complement and support each other”

Highlights from our Early Career Development Session

Written by Dr Magda Bucholc and Dr Michele Veldsman, National Early Career Development Leads

Early Career Researchers (ECRs) face a number of challenges at a critical time in their academic careers, no more so than now, in the midst of a pandemic. Lab closures have stalled experiments, funding is tight and many universities and institutes have hiring freezes. The DEMON Network recognises the important role of ECRs in developing research capacity in dementia, and has initiated a unique cross-institutional platform to help foster effective communication among ECRs, and provide opportunities targeting their research interests and concerns. As National ECR leads for the DEMON network, we thought this was the perfect time for a (virtual) coffee and a chat with our ECR network to find ways to support our community. On Monday 13th July we held our first virtual ECR session to introduce ourselves and for our members to meet each other. 

The group really showcased the interdisciplinary nature of the DEMON Network. We had ECRs working in clinical trials, psychologists, neuroscientists, biomedical and electrical engineers, geneticists, artificial intelligence (AI) and data scientists and clinicians. They all face many challenges with funding, publishing and career progression – many around the job market and the challenges of getting published when under the pressure of balancing different elements of career development and building up an academic profile. As well as facing similar challenges in their careers, our ECRs had a lot in common. They all showed a passion for innovation in dementia research, enthusiasm to collaborate and an interest in opportunities to improve their professional and technical skills. 

“ECRs pitched some great ideas for how we can support them and facilitate truly multi-disciplinary research to answer some of the grandest challenges in dementia research”

Our ECRs pitched some great ideas for how we can support them and facilitate truly multi-disciplinary research to answer some of the grandest challenges in dementia research. Many of the ideas fit very well with the DEMON Network’s National Strategy. For example, making resources and training available to cater for the different levels of skill in data science and AI across our ECRs. Our ECRs also expressed a need for mentoring and help with grant writing. As part of our National Strategy, we are committed to sponsoring and mentoring ECRs, giving them an opportunity to contribute to or lead grant applications. There was a lot of interest in working with industry, from collaborating to developing translational and entrepreneurial skills. Sustained support for collaborative approaches was also seen to be an important issue, especially in the context of overcoming challenges to cross-sector, cross-disciplinary collaboration that could help tackle dementia research gaps, such as those related to the translational work challenges.

“As part of our National Strategy, we are committed to sponsoring and mentoring ECRs, giving them an opportunity to contribute to or lead grant applications”

As National ECR Leads, we are committed to highlighting the amazing multi-disciplinary work of our ECRs, including providing opportunities to showcase their work and facilitate networking. In the coming weeks we will be providing a space for the ECRs on the DEMON website to share our skills, interests and experience. We will run an ECR conference designed to foster new collaborations as well as organise networking and mentoring events at major national/international conferences. We will also enable ECRs to share their research by regularly profiling them on the DEMON network newsletter. In the future, we plan to organise a wide range of workshops that will foster professional development of ECRs and give them opportunity to develop across their institutions and main area of interest. We will also organise informal, thematic sessions bringing together established academics with ECRs. These events will be a great opportunity for ECRS to engage with the insights that more experienced researchers have gained over the years. And most importantly in these difficult times, we will work together as a community to support each other. We have a dedicated Slack channel to keep up in touch. If you are an ECR, please feel free to join.

“Most importantly in these difficult times, we will work together as a community to support each other”

Announcement: New partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute

We are delighted to announce our new official partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute (DRI), which brings together a combination of over 1,000 scientists and innovators from the DEMON Network and the UK DRI.

Launched on 17th July, this partnership unites these large dementia research initiatives which have the shared ambition of conducting leading dementia research that leads to improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The DEMON Network is led by Director Prof David Llewellyn and Deputy Director Dr Janice Ranson at the University of Exeter Medical School. Funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Alan Turing Institute, the Network aims to provide a platform for innovation and facilitate novel collaborative approaches for interdisciplinary dementia research.

“We established the DEMON Network to bring innovators together, roll up their sleeves and transform the way dementia is prevented, diagnosed and treated. Both the DEMON Network and the UK DRI are keen to think big, focus on impact and take risks to make a real difference. This partnership strengthens the translational aspect of the UK DRI’s research and gives new opportunities to our ambitious and talented DEMON Network members” – Professor David Llewellyn, DEMON Network Director

The UK DRI was established to accelerate the discovery, development and delivery of interventions that will help diagnose, treat and ultimately prevent dementia. Led by Prof Bart De Strooper, their aim is to apply data science and artificial intelligence to expedite the transformation of data into clinical and biologically relevant knowledge in neurodegeneration research.

“The DEMON Network’s vision is to revolutionise dementia research and healthcare by connecting innovators and harnessing the power of data science and artificial intelligence. This new partnership will allow for interdisciplinary collaborations to maximise the potential of UK DRI data, enabling research on a scale not previously possible to make transformational advances in dementia research”.

Dr Janice Ranson, DEMON Network Deputy Director

The recently launched DEMON Network incorporates over 500 scientists, clinicians and industry partners across 6 continents. Network members contribute to collaborative research initiatives across 8 coordinated Working Groups, with support from a dedicated Clinical Advisory Panel and a Patient and Public Involvement Panel. This infrastructure includes training, networking, educational knowledge transfer and engagement with industry for real world impact. Members have wide-ranging interests including the optimisation of clinical trials, neuroimaging, diagnostic technologies, analytic methods development, genetics, and experimental medicine making it a perfect partner for the UK DRI.

The UK DRI is a joint investment by the Medical Research Council, Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK which brings together over 400 researchers and 160 students with world-leading expertise in one national institute with over 55 Group Leaders across seven centres at UCL, the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London and King’s College London.

“Enormous scientific and technological advances have made it possible to generate huge volumes of data that will hold clues to some of the big unknowns in dementia research. If we’re to take full advantage of these data, we need to draw on the widest possible pool of expertise and tackle the problem from every angle, leaving no stone unturned. By partnering with the Alan Turing Institute and the DEMON Network, we can draw on a vast range of skills and knowledge. In particular, their extensive experience of harnessing data science and artificial intelligence will help us accelerate progress towards new treatments and approaches. Partnerships like this are vital to solving problems and making the breakthroughs needed to revolutionise the way we treat dementia. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” 

Prof Bart De Strooper, Director of the UK DRI

The partnership includes the appointment of a new DEMON Network National Lead based at the UK DRI, to support joint research activities and knowledge exchange between talented researchers with complementary areas of expertise.

This partnership was launched at a Research Showcase on July 17th, including DEMON Network members demonstrating how they are using data science and artificial intelligence to enhance dementia research.

Join the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network for free if you haven’t already and you’re interested in applying data science and AI to dementia research.

Newsletter June 2020: Special Issue

DEMON Network Latest News and Opportunities Special Issue: Our National Strategy and Grand Challenges It’s been a busy month for the Network! This Special Issue includes important updates from our National Strategy Workshop, with the results of our members survey and the opportunity to get involved in Working Groups to tackle our Grand Challenges.  With a recent influx of new members, we now have over 430 talented innovators in our Network spanning 21 countries, 68 universities and 35 commercial companies. Together, we are perfectly positioned to take on ambitious, high impact dementia research. In this issue we are delighted to present our newly established research support services, upcoming events, Early Career Researcher opportunities, invitations to collaborate and new ways to connect with the Network. I hope you enjoy this Special Issue newsletter, and I look forward to collaborating with you in the near future! Dr Janice Ranson, Network Deputy Director Survey Results We had a fantastic response to our recent Collaborative Research Initiatives Survey. Read the survey report.Lecture Series: Our monthly Lecture Series will be launched in September, and over 30 innovators have already offered to deliver a lecture.  Commercialisation: Over half of our membership is interested in commercialising their research. Forging industry partnerships will be a key feature in our Network activities. Collaborative research: With over 100 members already having offered to contribute to collaborative papers and grants, there is huge resource within the Network for a large programme of research and innovation. National Strategy Workshop Report Last week we convened our 36-strong leadership team of Regional Leads, National Theme Leads and Steering Committee to hold a National Strategy Workshop, chaired by Network Lead Prof David Llewellyn. At this workshop we set out our Grand Challenges and initiated Working Groups for collaborative research. Read David’s account of the workshop. DEMON Network Grand Challenges Based on the priorities of the Network, we set out five Grand Challenges the Network aims to tackle in dementia research: Intelligent Experimental Medicine Enhanced Dementia Diagnostics Preventing Dementia Artificial Clinical Intelligence Optimised Research Methods Collaborative Research Working Groups to tackle our Grand Challenges We have established 8 Working Groups for our Network to drive forward collaborative research initiatives. These are practical groups which address the Grand Challenges by producing publications, developing partnerships, securing funding and running educational knowledge transfer events. There are lots of ways for members to get involved. Genetics and Omics Experimental models Drug discovery and trials optimisation Biomarkers Imaging Prevention Applied modelling and digital health Methods Working Groups are now open for members to join and we strongly encourage members at all career levels and from a variety of backgrounds to participate. There is also the opportunity to apply to lead a Working Group.  Support for Researchers Clinical Advisory Panel Our Clinical Advisory Panel is made up of experienced clinicians from primary and secondary care who can provide clinical input to strengthen your research projects and funding applications. Patient and Public Involvement Panel Our panel of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributors can work in partnership with you to design, conduct, evaluate and communicate high quality research. Upcoming Events DEMON Network – UK DRI Research Showcase  DEMON Network & UK DRI: Driving forward experimental dementia research using data science and AI DEMON Network members are exclusively invited to attend this event. Introduced by UK DRI Director of Scientific Affairs Dr Giovanna Lalli, four of our talented members will showcase our Network and how we are using data science and AI to transform dementia research. Definitely not one to miss!  Date: 12.00 – 1.30 pm (BST) Friday, 17th July 2020 Location: Virtual Zoom Webinar Cost: Free AAIC  > 2020 The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® is the largest and most influential international meeting dedicated to advancing dementia science. Each year, AAIC® convenes the world’s leading dementia researchers and clinicians to share breaking research discoveries for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Register: https://www.alz.org/aaic/overview.asp Cost: Free Knowledge Transfer Network Dementia Biodesign Workshop  The Knowledge Transfer Network Neurotechnology Special Interest Group is holding the fourth in its series of biodesign workshops in collaboration with the UK Dementia Research Institute. The workshop will explore novel neurotechnologies to treat dementia, discuss barriers to adoption and new opportunities in the field. This will bring together clinicians, companies, academics, charities and other stakeholders, to accelerate the development of new neurotechnologies for dementia. Date: 10am – 12pm Wednesday 16th September 2020 Register: https://ktn-uk.co.uk/events/dementia-biodesign-workshop-london Cost: Free Scottish Dementia Research Consortium Annual Conference 2020 The fifth annual Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC) welcomes members of the SDRC and everyone with an interest in dementia research. This year’s SDRC Conference, titled “Unlocking the mysteries of data” will shed light on the world of informatics and how it is used for brain health research. Date: 7th September 2020 Register: https://www.sdrc.scot/conference Location: Radisson Blu, Glasgow Cost: Free Early Career Researchers Drop-in Session with Early Career Development National Leads Dr Michele Veldsman and Dr Magda Bucholc will be hosting a one-hour online morning coffee and chat session, where they will be available to discuss all things early career related, and are keen to hear your suggestions on ways the Network can help Early Career Researchers with skills development and career progression. Register now to secure your place! Date: 9am – 10am 13th July 2020 Places available: 15 Contact: michele.veldsman@psy.ox.ac.uk Young Entrepreneurs Scheme: Unleash your ingenuity YES is an innovative global competition developed to raise awareness among postdoctoral researchers of how ideas from science and engineering can be commercialised. You will spend three days immersed in developing enterprise skills; thinking creatively to produce innovative solutions to major challenges; discovering how to communicate research with impact; and networking with industry experts. Challenge yourself and pitch for a share of the £15k+ prize fund at the Royal Society! Application deadline: Friday 31st July 2020 For further info: www.yescompetitions.co.uk Scottish Dementia Research Consortium Early Career Researcher Workshop This one-day grant writing and collaboration workshop will focus on supporting early career researchers through the process of applying for research funding. This includes collaboratively developing ideas, innovation, selecting appropriate funding calls through to writing successful applications. Date: 8th September 2020 Location: Radisson Blu, Glasgow Register here Cost: Free Invitation to Collaborate Genetic (RNA sequencing) data collaboration Our Midlands Regional Lead Dr Anto Rajamani and colleagues recently published their investigation of post-mortem Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) brains using next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). They identified 12 genome-wide significant differentially expressed genes and their dysfunctional molecular networks. If you are interested in doing secondary and/or functional analyses of RNA-Seq data, Anto would be delighted to share their data. This collaboration may lead to publications, grant applications, and discovery of novel biomarkers. Contact: anto.rajamani@nottingham.ac.uk  Connect with the Network Slack: demon-net.slack.com  Join the discussion! General Channel for all Network members, and dedicated channels for Working Groups. Twitter: @DemonNetworkUK Research news and opportunities all things data science and dementia. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/demon-network Follow us to be part of our LinkedIn community.  Do you have news, opportunities or events you’d like us to include in the next DEMON Network newsletter? New research that you’d like us to feature? Please email any content to Network Coordinator Dr Janice Ranson. j.ranson@exeter.ac.uk

The results are in!

Our Collaborative Research Initiatives Survey results give us a crucial insight into what our Members want and what they’re motivated to do. Over a hundred Members contributed, and the results directly informed our recent National Strategy Meeting where we agreed our five Grand Challenges and set out plans for our eight practical Working Groups.

Read the full Survey report here

Newsletter May 2020

DEMON Network Newsletter May 2020 DEMON Network editorial The DEMON Network is developing fast, and there’s lots to update you about in this month’s newsletter. We’d love to hear more about what you’re doing and what the important developments and opportunities are that we can feature in future editions and online. Please get in touch by emailing me at j.ranson@exeter.ac.uk Dr Janice Ranson, DEMON Network Coordinator We now have over 240 members, which is both a credit to the DEMON Network team and an indication of how much interest there is in the application of data science and AI to dementia research and healthcare. Given that we now have critical mass, it’s time to focus on refining our strategy to meet your needs. Lots of new activities are planned, including a free monthly lecture series, datathons, virtual meetings and collaborative papers and grant applications. We will be in touch shortly to capture your ideas and views about what we should prioritise next and what you’re keen to contribute to. These are uncertain times for all of us, though dementia remains an enormous burden to our community and as a growing group of interdisciplinary innovators we are perfectly positioned to meet this challenge. Professor David Llewellyn, DEMON Network Lead Welcome to the Network team! Nonye Nwuke is a 2nd year undergraduate Medical Sciences student at the University of Exeter who has joined us to help with development of the Network national strategy. With an Exeter Summer Studentship, she hopes to gain experience of interdisciplinary collaboration in dementia research. Welcome to the DEMON Network team Nonye! DEMON Members Featured Research Dr Timothy Rittman – QMIN-MC study A new study integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms in to NHS memory clinics has been given the green light in Cambridgeshire. The Quantitative MRI in the NHS – Memory Clinics (QMIN-MC) study aims to recruit all patients needing a brain scan in memory clinics across Cambridgeshire, with plans to expand to other sites in the coming years. Study PI Dr Timothy Rittman (Senior Clinical Research Associate, University of Cambridge) explains: “This will be a real world dataset, with the aim of translating tools from the research world directly in to NHS memory clinics… We would love to hear from anyone who would like to recruit for the study, or would like to use the dataset to develop their algorithms.” For more information: tr332@medschl.cam.ac.uk. Positions available UCL POND Postdoctoral Positions If you like the challenge of developing novel computational and mathematical solutions to real-world medical challenges, then you will love working in the UCL Centre for Medical Image Computing in London. UCL’s Progression Of Neurodegenerative Disease (POND) group are looking for two excellent postdoctoral researchers to join the team’s well-established, supportive, expanding team of computational scientists in developing state-of-the-art data-driven solutions for neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. In this field they lead international initiatives such as EuroPOND, TADPOLE Challenge, and the new E-DADS consortium. There is also a PhD vacancy. Closing date: 25th May. Further details and online application Contact: Neil Oxtoby (n.oxtoby@ucl.ac.uk) Scientific consultant needed to support the EDoN Initiative The Early Detection of Neurodegenerative diseases (EDoN) initiative is an innovative global collaboration aiming to develop a digital tool that enables detection of specific dementia-causing diseases 10-15 years before clinical dementia symptoms arise.  EDoN is currently negotiating the application of digital tools in existing research cohorts and is looking for a senior consultant to support the cohort engagement for 2-3 days a week over the next 6-8 months. Applicants should be experienced in the area of clinical research and should be able to start supporting EDoN within the next few weeks. Salary commensurate with experience. Further information about the EDoN Initiative. Start date: ASAP Contact: Rafael Jimenez rafael.jimenez@alzheimersresearchuk.org UK DRI at Imperial Research Associate positions The UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Imperial is seeking outstanding post-doctoral researchers interested in taking on challenging roles with considerable scope for independent scientific achievement and personal growth. Successful applicants will be ambitious, with the passion to tackle big problems and a readiness to try out high-risk, high-payoff projects. Exceptional prior experience and a background in neurobiology will be assets. Several genomics & molecular neuropathology positions are open with Centre investigators. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Principal Investigator for an informal discussion about the role directly. Further information and job description. Closing date: 14th June 2020 Contact: ukdri@imperial.ac.uk CPD / Training Courses University of Edinburgh Health Data Science Course for Healthcare Professionals Applications are now being accepted for this new online learning credit-bearing course, which aims to equip healthcare professionals with the key foundations and data skills that are needed for data-driven innovation. No prior experience of coding or data analysis is required. Applicants are expected to have qualifications or work experience in the health industry. Further information and application form. Start date: 1st June 2020 NIHR Dementia Researcher Webinars NIHR Dementia Researcher Midday Lecture Webinars are delivered by early career dementia researchers and other career experts presenting their research or providing advice and guidance that could help with your career. Conducting Systematic Reviews James Watson, PhD Student at the University of Liverpool will talk about his experiences of the systematic review process, from devising an idea and identifying a gap in the literature, to compiling findings and understanding what the review means for people with dementia and their carers. Useful tips and advise for anyone about to embark on their own review. Register here. When: 12 – 12.30pm 4th June 2020 Public Engagement Online: An Impact and Engaged Research Network Event Are you moving your events online? Are you interested in learning and sharing ideas on how to make online events engaging and innovative? In this online event we will hear from researchers who have successfully conducted online public engagement events. There will be breakout rooms to informally discuss your questions, comments, and queries. The call will be documented, with a living document where people can share useful resources. Register here for free.  When: 1 – 2pm 29th May 2020 Events and Opportunities Alan Turing Institute Podcasts The Turing Podcast is an exciting new podcast featuring real-time research taking place at The Institute. Hosted by a rotation of staff from The Institute, each episode begins with AI related news followed by a discussion with a guest from across the Turing community on their work. Latest podcast: Image analysis in neurodegenerative disease. Listen here. CompAge 2020 CompAge 2020 Computational approaches for ageing and age-related diseases aims to be a first-of-its-kind forum to communicate recent methodological advances in the field of age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, and to foster interactions among researchers from academia, pharmaceutical and technology industries, clinical research, and public health sectors. For more information, including registration: When: 1st 3rd September 2020 Where: ICM Paris – Brain and Spine Institute, France (will be virtual if necessary) Contact: team@compage2020.com Virtual SINAPSE Annual Scientific Meeting Join the Scottish Imaging Network: A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) virtual meeting for developments in clinical and experimental imaging, and learn about research based around MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, EEG, MEG, ultrasound, and human optical imaging. The meeting will incude a main stage for plenary sessions, breakout rooms for parallel and poster sessions, and expo area for exhibitors, and time for speed networking sessions paring participants for one-to-one video chats.  Cost: Free When: 9am – 5pm June 19th 2020 More info: http://www.sinapse.ac.uk/events/2020-sinapse-asm Wellcome Genome Campus Society and Ethics Research SPACE Study Dementia researchers are invited to take part in short, anonymised interviews as part of the SPACE study exploring stakeholder’s perspectives on the ethical aspects of novel, data-driven approaches to the early detection of cognitive decline. The study aims to provide evidence to inform discussions about what questions remain unanswered or problematic and what, if any, additional ethics guidance or support might be valuable for research and technology development. Contact: Dr Richard Milne, richard.milne@wgc.org.uk or Dr Alessia Costa, alessia.costa@wgc.org.uk The Alzheimer’s Disease Prediction Of Longitudinal Evolution (TADPOLE) Challenge TADPOLE is a data science challenge for predicting Alzheimer’s disease progression. Brought to you by the EuroPOND consortium in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The challenge will stay open indefinitely and the leaderboard is live. Submissions continue to be received as people try to climb the leaderboard with refined methods for predicting outcomes. Further details: https://tadpole.grand-challenge.org Do you have news, opportunities or events you’d like us to include in the next DEMON Network newsletter? New research that you’d like us to feature? Please email any content to Network Coordinator Dr Janice Ranson. j.ranson@exeter.ac.uk

Opportunity: DEMON Network National Leads

The DEMON Network brings together academics, clinicians and other partners. By connecting these people, we can identify innovative approaches to interdisciplinary collaborative dementia research.

We are recruiting National Leads to provide strategic support to the Network by developing activity in five key areas.

The following voluntary positions are available:

• National Clinical Lead
• National Industry Lead
• National Data Science Lead
• National Artificial Intelligence Lead
• National Early Career Lead

National Leads will:

1. Provide strategic support to the DEMON Network team and Regional Leads.
2. Help to identify funding opportunities for Network-related activities.
3. Promote DEMON Network activities by utilizing existing contacts.
4. Help organize national Network events and activities relevant to the area of leadership.
5. Work with the DEMON Network Steering Committee and Regional Leads to develop a national strategy for data science and AI in dementia.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Do you have experience in one of the five key areas?
• Do you have capacity to spend around one day a month on Network activities?
• Are you passionate about the application of data science and AI to dementia research?
• Would you like to develop leadership experience and be a part of an exciting new initiative?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

To apply for a National Lead position please download the application form below, and send your completed application along with your CV to the Network Administrator Jan Alcott j.alcott@exeter.ac.uk by 5pm on Wednesday 29^th January 2020.  

Further information

All applicants will be informed of the final decision by email by the 31^st January 2020.    

National Leads will be selected for a two year term in the first instance. Reasonable expenses incurred meeting with the Network Steering Committee or similar activities agreed in advance will be reimbursed.

If you have any questions about the role please contact the DEMON Network Coordinator Janice Ranson j.ranson@exeter.ac.uk