Emerging Leaders: initiative launched to support bright new research talent

We are delighted to announce the UK DRI Emerging Leaders programme – a new initiative to support research fellows on their journey to independence. Sponsored and hosted by a UK DRI Group Leader, each of the eleven Emerging Leaders will benefit from increased opportunities to build strong research networks and receive career support and mentoring advice on scientific output and future plans.

The Emerging Leaders programme recognises early career researchers on their path to building an independent laboratory, as evidenced by their ability to secure external funding that supports them and their research projects. The eleven individuals have been selected following nomination from their UK DRI Centre Directors and sponsoring Group Leaders.

UK DRI Director, Prof Bart De Strooper, said:

"Becoming an independent research investigator is a hugely exciting but daunting step in our careers. As well as determination, you need a strong network around you to be successful. I’m optimistic that the Emerging Leaders programme will help provide vital support to promising early career researchers for years to come, and give rise to the next world-leading experts in dementia."

In addition to support from the Group Leader sponsor, the Emerging Leaders will form a new staff network to encourage cross-institution collaboration, knowledge sharing and peer support. As a member of the UK DRI, the Emerging Leaders have the same access to the unique benefits including shared tools and technology, the UK DRI research collaboration service, theme membership and activities surrounding training, development and networking. Emerging Leaders are also entitled to apply for select internal funding schemes offered by the Institute.

The 11 Emerging Leaders are:

New Race Against Dementia Fellows recognised as UK DRI Emerging Leaders

This World Alzheimer’s Day (21 September), we are delighted to announce two new Emerging Leaders at the UK DRI: Dr Wioleta Zelek (UK DRI at Cardiff) and Dr Aitana Sogorb-Esteve (UK DRI at UCL). Both have been awarded prestigious Race Against Dementia Fellowships and join the 11 Emerging Leaders announced earlier in the year.

New researcher recognised as UK DRI Emerging Leader

We are thrilled to announce a new Emerging Leader at the Institute: Dr Jing Qiu, based at the UK DRI at Edinburgh. Dr Qiu joins the 13 other talented upcoming scientists who were elected to the programme last year.

Four new researchers join the UK DRI Emerging Leader Programme

We are delighted to announce four new Emerging Leaders at the Institute: Dr Sophie Morse and Dr Johanna Jackson (both UK DRI at Imperial); Dr Emma Clayton (UK DRI at King’s) and Dr Phil Weston (UK DRI at UCL).

We would also like to extend our congratulations to the following five former Emerging Leaders who have passed through the programme: Dr Sarah Marzi (now a Group Leader at the UK DRI at King's); Dr Cara Croft (now a Senior Lecturer and Group Leader in Neuroscience at Queen Mary University of London); Dr Julie Qiaojin Lin (now Assistant Professor, Bioscience & Biomedical Engineering at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology); Dr Dobril Ivanov (now a Senior Bioinformatician at Fios Genomics) and Dr Cynthia Sandor (now a Group Leader at the UK DRI at Imperial).

Article published: 14 May 2021

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