Professor David Attwell appointed to spearhead the BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Prof David Attwell as the Centre Director for the groundbreaking new BHF-UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research. With a distinguished career spanning decades and a wealth of expertise in neuroscience and physiology, Prof Attwell brings unparalleled leadership and vision to this pivotal role.

Meet Professor David Attwell

A renowned figure in the field of neuroscience, Prof David Attwell completed his first degree in physics, followed by a PhD focused on the electrophysiology of nerve and muscle cells at Oxford University. He then furthered his research in Berkeley, California, before joining the Department of Physiology at University College London, where he currently serves as the Jodrell Professor of Physiology. Prof Attwell's diverse research portfolio includes investigations into glial cells, glutamate transporters, stroke, myelin formation, and cerebral blood flow regulation.

Vision for the future

Prof Attwell's appointment marks an exciting milestone in the establishment of the new £9M Centre. His vision is clear: to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying vascular dementia and to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. By focusing on the often-underestimated role of blood vessels in dementia pathogenesis, the Centre aims to revolutionise our understanding and treatment of vascular dementia.

Prof David Attwell said:

"The influence of blood vessels in the brain has been massively underestimated in our understanding of the causes of dementia. It is a privilege to be involved in setting up a centre funded by both the UK Dementia Research Institute and the British Heart Foundation which will have the aim of understanding how blood vessel dysfunction leads to dementia, thus providing novel therapeutic targets for treatment."

A unique partnership of BHF and UK DRI

Prof Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“We’re delighted to appoint Professor Attwell as the Centre Director. He is an outstanding scientist and his wealth of experience, ambitious vision, and his commitment to those affected by vascular dementia, will be instrumental in developing more effective, science-led treatments for this devastating condition. Professor Attwell’s leadership will be key to establishing the Centre as a world-class research hub, laying the foundations for new age of vascular dementia research. We now need generous supporters who can help make these ambitions a reality, paving the way for the first effective treatments for vascular dementia.”

Prof Siddharthan Chandran, Director of the UK DRI, said:

"The appointment of Professor David Attwell as Centre Director is a testament to his exceptional expertise and dedication to advancing dementia research. I am confident that under his leadership, the new Centre will make significant strides towards uncovering new insights and treatments for people living with or at risk from vascular dementia."

Next steps

Prof Attwell will be based at UCL, setting up the virtual centre across UK DRI host universities. Recruitment for new Group Leader positions will begin in the coming months.

Article published: 4 April 2024
Banner image: Prof David Attwell