We will build capacity and capability by training the next generation of dementia researchers.
Far too few talented medical students choose neuroscience as their research specialism, and 70% of dementia PhD students leave the field within four years because of limited early- and mid-career options. Given the increasing global epidemic of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, we aim to meet this challenge by developing exceptional, research-based training programmes.
PhD and postdoctoral research
We offer unrivalled opportunities for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in all aspects of neuroscience. Research projects range across all neuroscience themes, from the molecular biology of neuronal proteins, through cellular neuroscience, to the behaviour of sensory and motor systems, cognitive and systems neuroscience and clinical neuroscience research.
The Leonard Wolfson Experimental Neurology Centre Clinical Fellowship and four year PhD programme in neurodegeneration research provides interdisciplinary research training to address a wide variety of questions in neurodegeneration research.
All postdoctoral fellows benefit from a mentoring system to help them into the transition to independent researchers. In addition to an annual neuroscience symposium, numerous focussed symposia and lecture series, UCL has established the Dementia Research Network (DemNet), which organises cross-departmental journal club, lecture series and hosts an annual meeting.
Dementia MSc
The Dementia: from Neuroscience to Clinical Practice MSc, offered by the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, tackles one of the biggest global health problems facing society today. It provides research-oriented and cutting-edge training in the study of dementia and its scientific basis, delivered by international leaders in the science and practice of dementia.
Dementia MOOC
UCL has also developed a free four-week online course "The Many Faces of Dementia" aiming to provide valuable insights into dementia through the stories, symptoms and science behind four less common diagnoses. The interactive MOOC (massive open online course) features interviews with world-leading experts, people with dementia and their families as well as articles and discussion.