Dr Becky Carlyle narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this blog, Becky writes up what she took from a panel of disabled researchers hosted by her department's Disability Working Group, and turns it into practical guidance for managers and PIs. She covers flexible working, communication that respects privacy, the often-exhausting process of securing accommodations, and the case for designing labs so accessibility is built in from the start rather than bolted on later. Becky shares figures that should give the sector pause, including the gap between the proportion of working-age people with a disability and the share of the STEMM workforce, and argues that accessibility is not a niche concern but a core part of building better science.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-building-accessible-inclusive-research-environments/

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Emily Spencer narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

With less than five months of PhD funding left, Emily found herself doing the opposite of what felt sensible. Instead of locking in on her analysis, she spent two months preparing a postdoctoral fellowship application. In this blog she writes about the strange shift from career fog to a clearer sense of direction, the reality of using conversation analysis on video recordings of GP consultations involving people with dementia, and why letting go of her data at the end of her PhD started to feel impossible. A useful listen for anyone navigating the awkward gap between thesis submission and whatever comes next.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-life-after-the-phd-my-fellowship-application/

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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you by University College London in association with the National Institute for Health and Care Research, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Professor Louise Serpell, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.

In this blog, Louise reflects on why Alzheimer’s disease has proved so difficult to understand, despite more than a century of research. She traces the role of amyloid beta, tau, inflammation, synaptic loss, genetics, ageing, the microbiome and other factors, while also asking what research models can and cannot capture. The blog argues that Alzheimer’s is shaped across a lifetime, by biology, environment, experience and individual variation, making collaboration across research fields essential for better prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-alzheimers-disease-takes-a-lifetime/

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Professor Louise Serpell is an Emerita Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Sussex. Her research focuses on how proteins misfold and form amyloid structures linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, using approaches from structural biology and molecular biophysics. Louise completed her DPhil at the University of Oxford and later established her own research group in the UK. Alongside her research career, she has been active in mentoring, public engagement, and supporting early career researchers. Find Louise on LinkedIn

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Dr Connor Richardson narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Connor reflects on leaving Newcastle University after nearly ten years, tracing the shift from student to researcher and the difficulty of stepping away. He explores the practical challenges of finishing work, managing data and staying motivated, alongside the emotional weight of leaving a place that shaped both his career and identity.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-leaving-your-university-after-10-years/

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Dr Connor Richardson is a Neuro-epidemiology Research Associatea at The University of Edinburgh. His research interest lie in using advanced statistical modelling and machine learning to measure dementia risk. Connor blogs about his research, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and sometimes his Pomapoo’s.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Adam Smith narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Adam reflects on Terry Pratchett Day by considering TP’s public response to posterior cortical atrophy, his ability to explain dementia with clarity, and his willingness to speak about choice at the end of life. The blog connects Pratchett’s advocacy with dementia research, where technical language can make lived experience feel distant.

https://communities.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/c/research-chat/terry-pratchett-day-fb9c96f9-06fe-4a12-afe4-b21656a632a3

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Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director in the Office of the NIHR National Director for Dementia Research (which probably sounds more important than it is) at University College London. He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Bernie McInally narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Bernie charts the shift from disconnected systems to a more visible and coordinated approach to care home research in Scotland. Drawing on his experience with ENRICH Scotland, he explains how improving digital visibility has created a clear entry point for care homes, researchers and partners. The blog highlights the importance of collaboration, avoiding fragmented engagement, and recognising care homes as active partners in research. It also looks ahead, suggesting the next phase is about strengthening relationships and ensuring research remains accessible, relevant and easy to engage with.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-making-care-home-research-visible/

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Bernie McInally is a Clinical Studies Officer at NHS Lothian and the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network. Bernie's background is in Nursing, working in Mental Health and with Older People. He retired from full time NHS clinical work, and is now back working in Clinical Research supporting delivery of the Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH) Scotland. He is passionate about research delivery, and opening access to people in all communities.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

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Kirsty Hynes narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this second instalment, Ajantha shifts focus from preparing for PhD applications to one of the most critical decisions in the process: choosing the right lab and supervisor. He walks through how to search effectively, what to look for when assessing potential environments, and how to approach academics with well-structured, thoughtful emails. The blog balances practical advice with honest reflection on supervision styles, lab culture, and long-term career impact, offering a clear framework for making a well-informed choice.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-no-care-homes-left-out-in-dementia-research/

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Kirsty Hynes is a Clinical Studies Officer with ENRICH, part of the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, supporting care homes to take part in research. She trained as a mental health nurse at Robert Gordon University and spent nine years working in a secure unit before moving into research. Her work focuses on neurodegeneration and improving access to meaningful research opportunities for care home residents and staff. Kirsty is passionate about making research inclusive and practical, and enjoys running and home projects in her spare time.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

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01eUeOZul1BXv4HTXwqc

Dr Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this second instalment, Ajantha shifts focus from preparing for PhD applications to one of the most critical decisions in the process: choosing the right lab and supervisor. He walks through how to search effectively, what to look for when assessing potential environments, and how to approach academics with well-structured, thoughtful emails. The blog balances practical advice with honest reflection on supervision styles, lab culture, and long-term career impact, offering a clear framework for making a well-informed choice.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-phd-application-advice-assessing-approaching-a-new-lab/

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Dr Ajantha Abey is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Kavli Institute at University of Oxford. He is interested in the cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other diseases of the ageing brain. Previously, having previoulsy explored neuropathology in dogs with dementia and potential stem cell replacement therapies. He now uses induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons to try and model selective neuronal vulnerability: the phenomenon where some cells die but others remain resilient to neurodegenerative diseases.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Beccy Owen, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In her first blog, Beccy introduces herself and reflects on the path that led her into dementia research. It is a journey shaped by uncertainty, changing direction, and moments of self doubt, alongside real achievements and growing confidence. From lockdown study and finding a love for neuroscience, to setbacks in PhD applications and finally securing her place at Warwick, Beccy shares an open account of how careers rarely follow a straight line. She also touches on the realities of lab work, learning electrophysiology, and the importance of maintaining balance outside research.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-long-way-round-to-a-phd/

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Beccy Owen is a PhD Researcher at the University of Warwick, exploring how tau pathology disrupts neuronal ion channels and brain network activity in Alzheimer’s disease. As part of the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Programme, her work uses electrophysiology to better understand the molecular drivers of neurodegeneration. Originally from the Welsh countryside, Beccy’s passion for dementia research was shaped during her postgraduate studies and through personal experience with a family member living with the condition. She will be sharing her journey, insights, and lessons learned throughout her PhD here on the blog.

Find Becky on LinkedIn

Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

Applying for your first research fellowship can feel like a leap into the unknown. In this blog, Sam reflects on his own early experience and sets out five simple checks to help researchers judge their readiness. From having a question that genuinely drives you, to demonstrating independence, securing the right environment, and confirming eligibility, the piece strips away the mystery and reframes readiness as progress rather than perfection.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-am-i-ready-knowing-when-to-apply-for-your-first-research-fellowship/

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Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials Research Fellow at University of Birmingham. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice [email protected]

This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

--

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