Who we are

Launched in 2017, the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) stands as a beacon of scientific innovation, representing an unprecedented £300 million investment in dementia research - the largest of its kind in UK history.

The purpose of the UK DRI is through research, to transform the outlook for people living with or at risk of neurodegenerative conditions. Ultimately, we wish to add more life to our years, not just years to our life. Our vision is a future of healthy brain ageing for all.

Spearheaded by the Medical Research Council, and under the leadership of founding Director Prof Bart De Strooper, the UK DRI established its world-class research centres across the UK, attracted top-tier international talent taking us to a team of 1000, and commenced groundbreaking science. The institute's exceptional performance earned it an "excellent" rating in its inaugural five-year review in 2022, securing a further £150 million to propel its cutting-edge research into the next half-decade under the inspirational direction of new Director Prof Siddharthan Chandran.

The complexity and scale of the challenge we face demands an approach that draws on the very best minds, resources and expertise. The UK DRI’s innovative structure – uniting experts in top universities across the UK – is designed to foster the intensive collaboration and problem-solving that is driving the field forward.

The UK DRI is a national institute that brings together nearly 1,000 world-leading researchers across multiple disciplines. Our institute is hosted in prestigious universities across the UK:

• UK DRI at The University of Cambridge
• UK DRI at Cardiff University
• UK DRI at The University of Edinburgh
• UK DRI at Imperial College London
• UK DRI at King's College London
• UK DRI at UCL
• Centre for Care Research & Technology (Imperial College London / University of Surrey)
• BHF - UK DRI Centre for Vascular Dementia Research (UCL / University of Edinburgh)

A Core team provides UK-wide support and strategic leadership for the institute. 

Our partners in industry, academia, the NHS and the wider scientific community help us to focus on the questions that really matter and take full advantage of the latest tools and technology.

We stand at the forefront of finding solutions for neurodegenerative conditions. Our work is unwaveringly focused on improving outcomes for the nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia, a number that continues to grow as our population ages.

The UK DRI has established itself as a world leader in discovery science in neurodegeneration, quickly becoming one of the most cited institutes in the field. We discover, develop and deliver solutions for dementia: from fundamental biology to drug development to clinical applications, our research spans the entire spectrum of dementia science. This integrated approach, with super-charged discovery science at its core, enables us to translate discoveries into real-world solutions more effectively.

At the UK DRI, we tackle the full spectrum of dementia-related conditions, including: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Frontotemporal dementia, Vascular dementia, Huntington's disease, motor neuron disease / ALS, Lewy body dementia, mild cognitive impairment and beyond. We tackle multiple brain conditions simultaneously, and at speed, leading to discoveries that benefit a wider range of people, faster.

At the UK DRI, we value the power of multidisciplinary collaboration. 1 in 3 of our Group Leaders have been recruited from prestigious international universities. Over a third of our Group Leaders are early career researchers. Our team includes experts from various fields, with 40% of our researchers coming from backgrounds outside traditional dementia studies. This diversity of thought sparks innovation and fresh perspectives. 

We have created an environment where clinicians, nurses, researchers, technicians and engineers work side by side, learning from each other and developing new skills. Our approach values academic freedom and encourages exploring novel ideas and leads to fresh perspectives.

Our world-class researchers share ideas openly across the institute and beyond. Our culture encourages curiosity and calculated risk-taking, essential elements for groundbreaking discoveries. This collaborative and innovative environment, coupled with cutting-edge resources, helps us attract and retain top talent. 

The UK DRI Emerging Leaders programme supports talented early career researchers on their journey to building an independent laboratory, helping to bring their exciting research ideas to fruition. All our teams benefit from working alongside world-leading researchers in the field such as Brain Prize winners Profs Sir John Hardy and Bart De Strooper.

Diversity is woven into the fabric of our institute, from workforce to research methods. We're committed to nurturing diverse talent in neurodegenerative research, knowing that diversity enhances scientific outcomes. Our training programs emphasise collaboration and openness, with outreach initiatives targeting underrepresented groups.

By including diverse data and perspectives, we improve our science and solutions. We're addressing historical biases in research, such as using both sexes in animal models and increasing representation in clinical trials. Initiatives like MND-SMART establish UK-wide trial centres, improving access regardless of location. By understanding how different groups are affected by neurodegenerative conditions, we can target interventions more effectively, maximising benefits for all segments of society.

In addition to the UK DRI being the scientific discovery engine for the UK, we also have an important role to play in supporting, enhancing and convening dementia relevant research across the UK. The UK has many brilliant scientists working at our great universities and superb clinicians working in the NHS. We partner and collaborate with the best scientists and clinicians wherever they are in the UK. 

We nationally convene across disciplines, institutions, and borders, engaging researchers, industry, the public, funding bodies, and those with lived experience of dementia. This inclusive approach accelerates progress in dementia research. Our concentration of renowned international researchers and key partnerships catalyses breakthroughs, attracting global investment and top scientists. This comprehensive strategy addresses immediate needs and long-term goals in dementia research.

By spearheading this multifaceted effort, UK DRI advances health outcomes and strengthens the UK's position as a global leader in life sciences, particularly in healthy ageing research. This delivers both health and economic benefits to the nation.