In line with all IoN leadership roles, the appointment followed a process of IoN -wide internal advert, stakeholder presentations and formal face to face interviews.
Professor Michael Hanna, Director of UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, said: “I am pleased to congratulate and welcome Professor Toosy to the Institute leadership team. He is an excellent clinician-scientist and academic leader. He brings a clear strategic plan aligned with the IoN 2022-2027 Strategy to support discovery science and translation into patient benefit for MS and across all neuroinflammatory diseases. I am confident he will strengthen the Department’s excellence and enhance its contribution to UCL’s wider mission. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the Department will broaden and deepen its connections across UCL, linking neuroinflammation research with complementary strengths in other disciplines, to expedite the path from mechanisms to biomarkers, trials, and real-world benefit for people affected by neurological diseases. He will take over from Professor Olga Ciccarelli. I want to sincerely thank Olga for all her hard work and excellent leadership of the Department.”
Professor Toosy said: “I am honoured to be taking on the leadership of Neuroinflammation at Queen Square. The Department has exceptional researchers, clinicians, trainees, and professional services colleagues and I wish to ensure we provide the support, time, and culture that allow people to thrive. In the coming years, we will build on our strengths across neuroimmunology and inflammation-driven mechanisms, while developing genuinely integrated programmes that bring together basic science, experimental medicine, and clinical studies. By working across disciplines and departments, we can move faster from insight to impact for patients.”
Professor Olga Ciccarelli said: “It has been a privilege to lead the Department and to work with such an exceptional community. I am proud of the progress we have made, expanding the research portfolio, nurturing early-career talent, and strengthening our collective approach to teamwork, rigour, and ambition. I am delighted that Ahmed will be leading the Department next and I look forward to supporting its continued success.”
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