Dr Matthew Brown appointed as BNA Research Policy Trustee
Neuroscience is advancing at extraordinary speed. New tools - from single-cell technologies and large-scale data integration to artificial intelligence - are transforming how we understand the brain and develop treatments for neurological and mental health conditions. At the same time, the systems that govern how neuroscience is funded, evaluated and regulated are struggling to keep pace.
About Dr Matthew Brown
Matthew has spent his career working first as a neuroscientist, and now as a research-strategy leader - giving him a unique perspective on how policy can either enable discovery or unintentionally constrain it.
Matthew is currently Head of Digital Technology, Mental Health & Life Sciences at Wellcome, where he leads strategic portfolios that accelerate the development, evaluation and responsible adoption of data-driven tools across mental health and the life sciences.
Trained as a neuroscientist, he holds a DPhil from the University of Oxford and has conducted research spanning cellular, circuit and cognitive neuroscience, with previous academic posts at Imperial College London and the University of Geneva.
This scientific grounding continues to inform his work shaping large-scale research investments and international collaborative programmes.
He also brings extensive experience working across academia, philanthropy, industry and regulation, and currently serves on several advisory and project steering boards, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative and work with the MHRA.
Looking Ahead
Matthew shares our vision- for the BNA to be recognised as a policy thought leader for neuroscience - producing authoritative insights, building bridges across disciplines and sectors, and equipping the next generation of neuroscientists to engage confidently with policy and society.
We will work with him to strengthen our influence on key issues shaping neuroscience, co-creating solutions with the community and developing practical, evidence-based policy positions that deliver tangible benefit to neuroscientists and the wider sector.
Laura Ajram, Chief Executive of the British Neuroscience Association said:
We are delighted to welcome Matthew to the BNA Council as Research Policy Trustee. His combination of neuroscience expertise and experience shaping research strategy at a global level will be invaluable as the BNA continues to strengthen its policy influence. Matthew brings exactly the insight and leadership needed to help ensure neuroscience remains credible, open and impactful in a rapidly changing research landscape.
Reflecting on his appointment, Matthew said:
Neuroscience can lead the way in demonstrating what credible, equitable and impactful science looks like in the 21st century. I am honoured to support the BNA in helping make that vision a reality.
The BNA warmly welcomes Dr Matthew Brown to Council and looks forward to working with him to strengthen the Association’s policy voice and impact.
