Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Connor Richardson - Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries (Part 2)

Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In his blog post "Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries - Part 2," Connor is back sharing his experiences and insights from two rounds of applying for academic promotion. Highlighting the importance of mindset, Connor contrasts his initial, cautious approach with a more confident, assertive strategy in his second attempt. He emphasises the need to focus on one's unique selling points, be direct and self-assured in applications, and adapt to feedback. Through his journey, he underscores the significance of presenting oneself as indispensable and confidently highlighting achievements, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-academic-promotions-a-tale-of-two-tries-2/
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Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associate (soon to be NIHR Research Fellow) in the Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute. Connor is the research statistician for the Cognitive Function and Ageing studies (CFAS) multi-centre population cohort. His research interest lies in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Jodi Watt - Navigating challenging conversations in academia

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.
Jodi discusses the intricacies of handling difficult conversations within the academic sphere. She emphasises the importance of empathy and effective communication when responding to colleagues facing personal challenges. Drawing on her own experiences, including coping with her father's death during her PhD, she criticises the often impersonal academic environment and suggests adopting the VASE method—Validate, Acknowledge, Support, Express—as a framework for more compassionate interactions. Jodi argues that fostering empathy not only improves individual relationships but also enhances overall lab cohesion and productivity.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-navigating-challenging-conversations-in-academia/
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Dr Jodi Watt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Glasgow. Jodi's academic interests are in both healthy ageing and neurodegenerative diseases of older age, and they are currently working on drug repurposing for dementia. Previously they worked on understanding structural, metabolic and physiological brain changes with age, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As a queer and neurodiverse person, Jodi is also incredibly interested in improving diversity and inclusion practices both within and outside of the academic context.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Clíona Farrell - News from the Trisomy 21 Research Society Conference

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Clíona she shares highlights from the 2024 International Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS) conference in Rome. Focusing on Alzheimer's disease in individuals with Down syndrome, Clíona discusses the latest research advancements, the genetic link between Down syndrome and Alzheimer's, and the critical need for inclusive clinical trials. The blog also emphasises the conference's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, featuring engaging sessions for researchers, individuals with Down syndrome, and their families. 
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-news-from-the-trisomy-21-research-society-conference/
#DementiaResearch #DownSyndrome #Trisomy21
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Dr Clíona Farrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London. Her work focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in Down syndrome, both prior to, and in response to, Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience in Trinity College, and then worked as a research assistant in the Royal College of Surgeons studying ALS and Parkinson’s disease. She also knows the secret behind scopping the perfect 99 ice-cream cone. @ClionaFarrell_
 
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Sarah Griffiths - Ethical review process guided by people with dementia

Dr Sarah Griffiths, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Discover how people with dementia play a crucial role in guiding the ethical review process in research. Sarah Griffiths from University College London shares her insights and experiences in involving patients and carers through Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE). Learn how this collaborative approach leads to successful NHS ethics applications and ensures inclusive, accessible research practices.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-ethical-review-process-guided-by-people-with-dementia/
#DementiaResearch #Ethics #ResearchEhtics #EthicalReview
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Dr Sarah Griffiths has a background in speech and language therapy and has been involved in aphasia research. For 14 years she was a senior lecturer on a BSc Speech and Language Therapy course at Plymouth Marjon University. Now Sarah is is a Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Ageing Population Studies, Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health at University College London.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Lis Grey - Academic precarity: Moving the discussion forward

Lis Grey, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Dr Lis Grey's first blog for Dementia Researcher, "Academic Precarity: Moving the Discussion Forward," tackles the pressing issue of job insecurity faced by researchers. She explores the negative impacts of short-term contracts and the lack of stable positions in academia. With insightful analysis and practical suggestions, Lis urges the research community to engage in meaningful discussions and propose solutions to improve job security for researchers. Have a listen and join the conversation to create a more secure future for academic professionals.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-academic-precarity-moving-the-discussion-forward/
#DementiaResearch #ResearchCulture
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Dr Lis Grey is an NIHR / Alzheimer's Society Dem Comm Research Fellow at University of Bristol and NIHR ARC West. Her interest lie in understanding how people with neurodegenerative disorders experience health and care services, and developing ways to improve services and support people to live well with these conditions. Lis is also passionate about working to improve research culture, and away from her work, a passionate gardner overly-ambitious baker. Connect with Lis on LinkedIn.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Emily Spencer - Identity revisited: Becoming a parent

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this blog Emily revisits the topic of identity in the context of becoming a parent. She reflects on her initial struggles with the concept of motherhood and how it has evolved over six months. Emily shares her experiences of the challenges and loneliness of new parenthood, from sleepless nights and self-doubt to the pressures of social expectations and competitive parenting. Despite feeling like an outsider in various parent groups, she finds solace in unexpected friendships and realises that her approach to parenting, which integrates her baby into her usual activities, is valid. Ultimately, Emily concludes that parenthood has allowed her to grow into her role while maintaining her unique identity and interests - and it's almost time to return to PhD studies....
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-identity-revisited-becoming-a-parent/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research
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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Yvonne Couch - The Cost of Research

Dr Yvonne Couch, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Yvonne explores the increasing challenges faced by researchers in securing funding and sustaining scientific progress. Highlighting her personal experiences and comparisons over the past two decades, she underscores the dramatic rise in costs, the growing competition for limited funds, and the impact of modern research expenses. Yvonne also reflects on the broader economic and institutional factors that have made it harder for early career researchers to thrive, painting a vivid picture of the current landscape of scientific research and the urgent need for more robust financial support.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-cost-of-research/
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Dr Yvonne Couch is an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Oxford. Yvonne studies the role of extracellular vesicles and their role in changing the function of the vasculature after stroke, aiming to discover why the prevalence of dementia after stroke is three times higher than the average. It is her passion for problem solving and love of science that drives her, in advancing our knowledge of disease. Yvonne writes about her work, academic life, and careers as she takes a new road into independent research @dr_yvonne_couch
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Helena Gellersen - Ultimate guide to making the most of the AAIC

Helena Gellersen, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Helena shares valuable tips on making the most of academic conferences, particularly the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). She offers practical advice on leveraging conference resources, setting goals, effective networking, and presenting research. She emphasises the importance of preparation, strategic planning, and follow-up to enhance the conference experience and foster meaningful connections, ultimately advancing one's career. Her guidance is particularly beneficial for early career researchers navigating the often overwhelming environment of large academic conferences.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-ultimate-guide-to-making-the-most-of-the-aaic/
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Dr Helena Gellersen is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and current Education Chair Trainee for the ISTAART Neuroimaging. The focus of Helena's work is on identifying preclinical signatures of Alzheimer’s disease and to develop novel memory and neuroimaging markers for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and for monitoring disease progression. @HGellersen
Find out more about the Neuroimaging PIA and ISTAART at alz.org/istaart
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Rebecca Williams - Perfectionism: The Why Matters

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rebecca reflects on the intense pressure she has felt throughout her academic career to be perfect, driven by the fear of failure and the need to prove her worth in a privileged position. She discusses how this perfectionism, common in academia, stems from a deep-seated need to justify her place and avoid the perceived monster of failure. Through her journey, she learns to shift her perspective from running away from failure to embracing her passion for science, realising the importance of balance, and accepting that making mistakes is a fundamental part of being human.
Sound familiar? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-perfectionism-the-why-matters/
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Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
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