In another milestone for the Institute, we marked the official launch of the UK DRI Care Research & Technology Centre this month (20 May) – a multi-million pound research facility to improve the lives of people living with dementia now. Minister of State for Care and Mental Health, Gillian Keegan, joined trial participants, researchers, and partners at the opening event to unveil a plaque commemorating the occasion.
The UK DRI Care Research & Technology Centre brings together scientists from a range of backgrounds, including medicine, engineering, computer science and synthetic biology to develop innovative ‘smart’ technologies – from artificial intelligence to sleep monitoring – to enable people affected by dementia to live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.
Centre Director David Sharp and Centre Manager Danielle Wilson welcomed attendees to an afternoon showcase of talks, panel discussions and tours at the brand-new Sir Michael Uren Hub at Imperial College London’s White City Campus.
“We are thrilled to be officially underway with this research, taking a positive step towards a future where people living with dementia are well supported in their own homes,” said Prof Sharp.
UK DRI Trustee Jo Pisani and Director Bart De Strooper outlined the journey to the Centre’s selection as the seventh node in the Institute network, providing a unique approach for the UK DRI to make real impact for people living with dementia now.