Engagement Committee
Tara Spires-Jones
Professor Tara Spires-Jones, DPhil(Oxon), FMedSci is Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. Her research focuses on mechanisms of synapse degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. She discovered that soluble forms of the pathological proteins amyloid beta and tau contribute to synapse degeneration. Further, her group demonstrated that pathological forms of tau spread through the brain via synaptic connections.
In addition to research, Prof Spires-Jones is passionate about communicating scientific findings to the public; increasing the rigour and reproducibility in translational neuroscience; promoting inclusivity and diversity in science; and supporting career development of neuroscientists.
Dr Kate Baker
Dr Kate Baker is a Programme Leader Track at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, where she leads the Genomic Disorders and Cognitive Development programme. She is also an Honorary Consultant in Clinical Genetics at Cambridge University Hospital, and an affiliate PI of the Academic Department of Medical Genetics. Prior to this she completed her medical and research training at Oxford, UCL and Cambridge.
Kate also currently serves on the Epilepsy Research UK and Cerebra Scientific Advisory Committees, the Cambrige NIHR BioResource's Scientific Advisory Board, and the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Dr Claire Durrant
Dr. Durrant, a tenured group leader at the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and an Emerging Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, is known internationally for her work in understanding the causes and consequences of synapse loss in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's.
Her interdisciplinary research team collaborates with clinical, pharmaceutical, and academic partners globally to push the boundaries of neuroscience research. Outside of the lab, Claire is passionate about communicating her work to the public and wider research community. She regularly participates in public engagement through TV, radio, written press and podcast interviews and has been invited to speak on numerous panels and podcasts relating to career progression in dementia research.
Claire’s combined research excellence and commitment to the effective communication of research make her a great addition to the editorial board.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Sara Purdy
Sara Purdy is an interim Chief Executive, most recently working for the British Institute of Radiology - the oldest radiological society in the world. The BIR supports those working in radiation oncology and the underlying sciences through education in many forms, including events, webinars and research published in its journals.
With a career starting in scholarly publishing and spanning 30 years, Sara has helped numerous societies and membership organisations navigate the complexities of scholarly publishing, to fulfil their charitable objects while delivering important revenue streams. While working at Elsevier, Sara managed their prestigious behavioural neuroscience books and journal portfolio, attending SfN and IBNS conferences and events.
Sara has significant senior leadership experience from across the charity and private sectors, including roles at Sage, the British Society for Immunology and the National Gallery Company.