Formula One visit provides inspiration in fight against dementia

UCL Institute of Neurology have recently formed a link with Sir Jackie Stewart and his new charity "Race Against Dementia".

This included discussing the plans for dementia research at UCL and the importance of innovative and inter-disciplinary working; particularly the benefits of learning from other fields and disciplines, alongside supporting younger researchers and scientists.

UCL was recently awarded the hub of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) by the UK Government and Medical Research Council. The plans for the UK DRI and the redevelopment of Queen Square House are a core element of UCL's recently launched It's All Academic fundraising Campaign, and the Institute of Neurology team look forward to working closely with Sir Jackie's new charity.

Sir Jackie invited the Provost, colleagues from the Office of the Vice Provost (Development) and four younger science colleagues from the UCL neuroscience community to join him for a half day visit to the world's most advanced Formula One facility in February. The high technology hub, based in Milton Keynes, is home to the Red Bull Formula One racing team and the visitors were given a tour by Christian Horner, Team Principal of the Red Bull team. The visit aimed to demonstrate how the team uses highly effective and advanced technology as the foundation of their work.

"I feel very privileged to have visited the Red Bull factory with Sir Jackie Stewart. Observing these hundreds of people, with their own skills, but all working towards one common goal - pushing the boundaries of innovation to win the next Grand Prix together - was very inspiring. It also struck me how airline innovation was inspiring Red Bull. Cross-disciplinary research will be key to defeat dementia". Dr Helene Plun-Favreau, Senior Lecturer, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology

"I found the team spirit striking. To have such a large and diverse workforce so singularly focussed on their role in achieving a common goal was impressive. I liked that their bonus is never individual it is always based on where the team finishes and that they attribute their success to making sure they retain the best staff. Finally I loved the fact that amidst all the most spectacular technology I have ever seen, the genius behind the car designs, Adrian Newey still prefers drawing with pen and paper". Dr Karen Suetterlin, Clinical Research Associate, Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology

"The lines of communication and coordination of purpose across many departments were abundantly clear. Every part of the operation was constantly being re-examined to see if it could work better.  Many thanks for inviting us".   Dr Sebastian Crutch, Professorial Research Associate, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology

"The visit was fascinating, their focus on innovation and constantly pushing the boundaries using the latest technology can absolutely be applied to our research efforts to understand and treat neurodegenerative diseases".  Dr Adrian Isaacs, Reader, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology

Further information

• Race Against Dementia
• UCL dementia website
• Dr Sebastian Crutch's academic profile
• Dr Adrian Isaacs' academic profile
• Dr Helene Plun-Favreau's academic profile
• Dr Karen Sutterlin's academic profile

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