New partnership with the DEMON network will drive forward experimental dementia research

We are excited to announce an ambitious new partnership with the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network.

The aim of this new collaboration is to rapidly speed up the transformation of data into clinical and biologically relevant knowledge in neurodegeneration research, to strengthen links with clinical researchers and industry, and to drive forward experimental dementia research using data science and artificial intelligence.

Launched at its inaugural event today (17 July), the partnership will see the appointment of a national lead based at the UK DRI to support and guide the partners’ joint activities, which will include a dynamic series of lectures, events and study groups.

Supported by Alzheimer’s Research UK, the Alan Turing Institute and Dementias Platform UK, the recently launched DEMON Network facilitates the application of data science and artificial intelligence to dementia research. It brings together over 500 scientists, clinicians and industry partners from across the world to enable new analytic approaches for collaborative research across disciplines. Led by Prof David Llewellyn at the University of Exeter, it provides a range of training, networking opportunities, seminars and workshops, as well as coordinated engagement with industry for real-world impact.

Today’s research showcase event and partnership launch brought together experts in cognitive neurology, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics to begin the process of knowledge exchange, showcase the two organisations’ respective strengths and expertise, and set out a roadmap for a successful partnership.

Prof Bart De Strooper, Director of the UK DRI, commented:

“Enormous scientific and technological advances have made it possible to generate huge volumes of data that will hold clues to some of the big unknowns in dementia research. If we’re to take full advantage of these data, we need to draw on the widest possible pool of expertise and tackle the problem from every angle, leaving no stone unturned. By partnering with the DEMON Network, we can draw on a vast range of skills and knowledge. In particular, their extensive experience of harnessing data science and artificial intelligence will help us accelerate progress towards new treatments and approaches. 

Partnerships like this are vital to solving problems and making the breakthroughs needed to revolutionise the way we treat dementia. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” 

Prof David Llewellyn, DEMON Network Director, said:

“We established the DEMON Network to bring innovators together, roll up their sleeves and transform the way dementia is prevented, diagnosed and treated. Both the DEMON Network and the UK DRI are keen to think big, focus on impact and take risks to make a real difference. This partnership gives new opportunities to our ambitious and talented DEMON Network members”.

Article published: 17 July 2020