Dementia Researcher Vodcast

What happens when academia no longer feels like the right fit, but research still does?In this episode, Adam Smith is joined by Dr Ellice Parkinson from Health Innovation East, Elizabeth 'Lizzie' English from the British Heart Foundation, and Dr Alice Carstairs from Alzheimer’s Society to talk about leaving academia while staying connected to research.Together, they explore the career turns that took them from PhDs and lab work into roles in health innovation, charity, policy, evaluation, public engagement and research communications. They discuss what helped them make the move, what felt difficult, and how skills built in academia can be used in many different settings.The conversation covers identity, confidence, networking, mentoring, transferable skills, and the quiet pressure many researchers feel to stay on a traditional academic path. It also challenges the idea that leaving academia means leaving research behind.For PhD students, early career researchers, and anyone wondering what else might be possible, this episode offers practical advice, reassurance, and examples of careers where research still sits at the centre of meaningful work.In this episode:Explore how researchers transition from academia to impactful roles in health innovation, research impact analysis, and science communication.Discover the metaphor of "doors" in academic careers and how choosing different paths can sustain meaningful research.Hear personal stories from former PhD students who found success and fulfillment outside traditional university settings.Learn about the transferable skills that ease the transition into non-academic roles and how to leverage them.Gain insights into the importance of networking, mentorship, and aligning career choices with personal passions and societal needs.A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

This festive charity debate asks a question nobody saw coming but everyone had an opinion on. Would Santa Claus make a good principal investigator?Recorded live in the Dementia Researcher Community, this Christmas special brings humour, sharp thinking, and real reflections on leadership, research culture, ethics, and academia.The debate is hosted by Adam Smith and Dr Anna Volkmer.Speaking for the motion is Rebecca Williams, PhD researcher exploring FTD and apathy.Speaking against the motion is Dr Connor Richardson, Research Fellow working in data science, epidemiology, and machine learning in dementia research.Through opening statements, rebuttals, and audience questions, the discussion ranges from logistics and mentorship to ethics, transparency, wellbeing, and what good leadership really looks like in research. While lighthearted on the surface, the debate reveals some very familiar academic tensions beneath the tinsel.This episode was recorded as a charity event in support of Dementia UK and their Admiral Nurses, who provide vital support to people living with dementia and their families, especially during the Christmas period.If you enjoyed the debate and would like to support their work, you can donate here (closes 31st December)Thank you for listening, watching, and supporting dementia research and care.A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast we look at how dementia clinical trials reach far beyond medicines. Host Dr Annalise Rahman Filipiak speaks with Dr Elizabeth Rhodus, Dr Inga Antonsdottir, and Dr Elisa França Resende about entering the field, working with behavioural and community based interventions, and learning the skills needed to deliver rigorous, reproducible studies that still respect the individual needs of participants.The guests discuss their routes into trials, what surprised them, what they wish they had known earlier, and how mentorship and collaboration shaped their progress. They touch on trial design, regulatory processes, cultural considerations, and the value of early career networks that support researchers across different countries.Topics coveredWhat early career researchers find challenging about trial methodsWorking in homes and communitiesDesigning sensory and environmental interventionsLiteracy based trials in Brazil and issues of inclusionMentorship, networks and training programmesTrial rigour, manuals, assessments and reproducibilityRegulatory hurdles and timeframesPractical advice for researchers wanting to deliver a trial as part of their researchA transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

In this episode, host Dr Anna Volkmer is joined by Dr Alys Griffiths, Sophie Jeffery, and Esther Whittlesea Reed to explore a two-year Alzheimer’s Society project testing #psychotherapy for people with dementia.Together, they discuss the importance of therapy in #dementia care, the barriers to access, the development of new therapist competencies, and the lived experience of psychotherapy from both clinical and personal perspectives.TakeawaysPsychotherapy can provide meaningful outcomes for people with dementia.Barriers to accessing therapy include stigma and lack of understanding.Core competencies for therapists are essential for effective care.Family therapy is crucial for supporting families affected by dementia.Training for therapists should include specific skills for working with dementia patients.Research findings highlight the need for better communication about therapy options.The importance of lived experience in shaping research and therapy.Future research should focus on improving access to therapy for families.There is a need for a cultural shift in how dementia is perceived in therapy.Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Core competences frameworkUK Council for PsychotherapyBritish Association for Counselling and PsychotherapyRecent papers on the topicA transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

In our first episode of the XXplored Women's Brain Health podcast, our resident expert and host Dr Laura Stankeviciute from University of Gothenburg engages with leading neuroscientists Professor Liisa Galea from University of Toronto and Dr Maria Teresa Ferretti from Karolinska Institutet to explore the critical intersection of sex, gender, and brain health.Together our guests discuss their personal journeys into neuroscience, the biological differences in brain health, the impact of hormonal changes, and the vulnerability of women to Alzheimer's disease. The conversation also addresses the barriers to inclusion in clinical research, the implications of neurosexism, and the importance of precision medicine. The episode emphasises the need for early diagnosis and the societal stigma surrounding women's health issues, while advocating for a more inclusive and evidence-based approach to brain health research and treatment.This first show sets the scene for what will be an ongoing series of shows, delivered within the Dementia Researcher podcast.Highlights and takeaways:Released during Menopause Awareness Month — and ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October — this episode shines a light on how menopause shapes women’s brain health and why it matters for ageing and dementia research.Sex differences shape the brain at every level – structure, hormones, immunity, and function.Menopause is a key vulnerability window for women’s brain ageing and Alzheimer’s risk.Women face higher Alzheimer’s prevalence, not just because they live longer.Women were excluded from trials for decades, leaving dangerous gaps in knowledge.Fear of neurosexism and misunderstandings of feminism slowed progress.Precision medicine must include sex and gender or risk missing early diagnoses.Research funding and clinical guidelines lag far behind need.Momentum is building: younger researchers and public interest are pushing change.Core message: Different ≠ inferior. Diversity drives discovery.Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Womens Brain Ageing ProjectWomen’s Health Research Cluster (Canada)NIH Policy on Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV)A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

In this episode of the Dementia Researcher podcast, host Adam Smith discusses the upcoming AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference with guests Tricia Nicholson, Dr Amanda Heslgrave, and Kalli Mavromati. They explore the unique hybrid format of the conference, which combines in-person and virtual elements, making it accessible to a global audience.The conversation highlights the focus on biomarkers in dementia research, the importance of early career researchers, and the abstract submission process, providing valuable tips for potential presenters. The episode emphasizes the conference's goal of fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge within the dementia research community.In this episode:The AAIC Neuroscience Next Conference is free and accessible to all. Taking place across 6 countries and online from the 23rd to 26th February 2026.The UK hub will focus on biomarker advancements in dementia diagnosis, with a full in-person conference on the 26th February.The conference aims to support early career researchers in dementia research.A unique hybrid format allows for both in-person and virtual participation.Abstract submissions open on September 22nd and are encouraged from all researchers. From basic science to dementia care.The UK Hub is particularly keen for researchers to submit abstract in biomarker domains.Fluid BiomarkersCognitive AssessmentsPhysiological and Behavioural BiomarkersNeuroimagingTechnology BiomarkersFollow the event on social media #AAICNeuroA transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

Grant rejection is part of every researcher’s journey — and it never stops, no matter your career stage. In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, host Dr Fiona McLean (Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow at the University of Dundee, studying links between metabolic syndrome, learning and memory) speaks with:Dr Sarah Marzi — Senior Lecturer at King’s College London and UK DRI group leader, researching the epigenome in neurodegenerative diseases.Dr Kate Harris — Research Fellow at Newcastle University, soon to be Senior Lecturer, specialising in drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly — UK DRI Future Leader Fellow and group leader at Cardiff University, focusing on synaptic dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease.Together they share personal experiences of failed applications, from crushing first rejections to the resilience that comes with time, blending honest stories with practical strategies.In this episode:First-hand stories of fellowship and project grant rejectionsHow to use reviewer feedback — even when it’s unhelpfulWhy writing style and clarity can change your funding chancesChoosing funders whose remit truly fits your workCoping strategies, from ice cream to badminton to musicBuilding resilience and knowing when to rework or drop an ideaThe value of mentors, networks and peer supportListen to learn why rejection isn’t the end — and how it can be the start of a better grant.Essential links / resources mentioned in the show:Bouncing Back from Rejection - Adam GrantWhat to do when your grant is rejectedA transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

In this podcast we share a few selected highlights from the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) day two and day three of the main event in Toronto and Online, 27the - 31st July.Dr Connor Richardson, NIHR / Alzheimer's Society Dem Comm Research Fellow from University of Newcastle hosts the show with special guests:Sára Zsadányi, PhD Student at Sant Pau Memory Unit – Neuroimaging Core and Universitat Autonoma de BarcelonaDr Tatiana Giovannucci, Alzheimer's Association Research FellowDr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research at Alzheimer's SocietyThe AAIC brings together distinguished basic scientists, clinical researchers, early career investigators, clinicians and the care research community at the largest and most influential international conference on dementia science. They share theories and breakthroughs while exploring opportunities to accelerate work and elevate careers.Main plenary talks from the day came from Professor Inhee Mook-Jung Seoul National University, Korea with a talk titled "The Gut-Brain Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease: Unraveling Pathogenesis and Exploring Novel Therapeutic Strategies" and Dr Juan Fortea, Memory Unit Director — Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Spain with a talk titled "Alzheimer’s Disease in Down Syndrome".A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on YouTube, on our website, and in selected podcast platforms.Leave us a tip:https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/supportFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunityhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.socialDownload and Register with our Community App:https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcherWe gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs