International Symposium on ALS / MND Roundup 2024
Dementia Researcher Vodcast
12/11/24
•30m
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In this special episode, recorded in Montreal, Canada, we bring you highlights from the International Symposium on ALS/MND 2024 organised by the MND Association. Host Dr Alys Griffiths, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Sheffield, is joined by three expert guests to discuss the latest research and breakthroughs in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and motor neuron disease (MND).
Dr Megan Fowler, a postdoctoral researcher from Flinders University, shares insights into her work on endogenous retroviruses and their role in ALS. Professor Eneida Mioshi, from the University of East Anglia, explores cognitive and behavioural changes in ALS and FTD and their impact on care. Dr Ahmad Al Khleifat, a group leader at King’s College London, highlights advancements in genomic research and efforts to diversify ALS studies globally.
Key topics include promising therapies like antisense oligonucleotides, the integration of patient voices in research, and the power of collaboration to accelerate progress.
Here are 10 key takeaways:
- Collaboration Is Key: The symposium emphasised the importance of global collaboration in advancing ALS/MND research, with researchers and patient fellows working together to address diverse challenges.
- Emerging Focus Areas: A shift was noted from traditional focus areas like TDP-43 to more diverse and specific ALS subtypes, reflecting the complexity of the disease.
- Diversity in Research: Efforts to diversify genomic research and clinical trials were highlighted, with initiatives to include underrepresented populations from different ethnic backgrounds.
- Patient-Centred Approaches: Talks stressed the need to align clinical and research priorities with patient and family perspectives, especially in decision-making around therapies.
- Open Science Initiatives: New tools, like spatial transcriptomics applications, aim to foster collaboration by allowing researchers to plug in data and generate comparative insights.
- Interdisciplinary Care: Presentations highlighted the role of multidisciplinary teams in supporting decision-making, such as regarding gastrostomy, while considering patients’ and families' preferences.
- Longitude Prize Launch: A major highlight was the introduction of a large-scale, collaborative initiative aimed at accelerating drug discovery using open datasets and innovative AI methodologies.
- Antisense Therapies: A dedicated session focused on the promising role of antisense oligonucleotides in ALS treatment, with updates on their continued success in clinical trials.
- Patient Fellows' Impact: Contributions from patient fellows provided unique insights and ensured that research remains grounded in lived experiences, fostering meaningful dialogue between stakeholders.
- Continuity in Research: The event reinforced the importance of long-term monitoring and continuity in both research findings and patient updates, creating a more holistic understanding of disease progression.
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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.
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Previous Episode
Grant Writing - Tips from Grant Awardees & Grant Reviewers
December 8, 2024
•37m
In this panel discussion / question and answer session, Katherine Gray, Alzheimer's Society Head of Research chairs a discussion with Professor Heather Mortiboys, Professor Nathan Davies, Dr Jeffrey Davies, Professor Andrey Abramov and John Major.
Panellists provide tips and insights into the grant application process, providing their perspectives as grant reviewers and funding board members. They also provide advice on how to approach grant application writing. The panellists, who are leading researchers and volunteers on grant advisory boards, discuss the key components of a successful grant application, common mistakes, and how to demonstrate the potential impact of research. They also provide advice on resubmitting applications after initial rejection and how to effectively manage career breaks. Together they emphasise the importance of clear hypotheses, realistic expectations, proper costing, and team science. They also highlight the need for perseverance and flexibility in the application process.
Top Tips from the session:
- Craft a Clear Hypothesis and Plan: Ensure your hypothesis and aims are clearly defined and that your research plan directly addresses the question you're proposing to answer. A focused and well-structured approach is essential.
- Engage Lay Audiences Effectively: Take the lay summary seriously; it’s not just for lay reviewers but all panel members. Avoid leaving it to the last minute, and ensure it communicates the significance and impact of your research clearly and concisely.
- Be Realistic and Honest: Avoid overestimating what you can achieve within the timeframe and resources of the grant. Underestimating costs or overpromising outputs can hurt your chances. Realistic, feasible objectives are more compelling.
- Build Collaborative Teams: Funders appreciate team science. If you lack expertise in a specific area, involve collaborators to strengthen your application. Highlighting teamwork demonstrates a comprehensive and feasible approach to your research.
- Learn from Rejections: If you’re resubmitting, carefully address feedback and demonstrate how your revised proposal aligns with reviewers’ suggestions. If feedback indicates the project doesn’t fit the funder’s priorities, consider adapting it for a better-suited funding body.
Recorded at the Alzheimer's Society ECR Retreat on the 19th June 2024.
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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 Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.
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Next Episode
2024 End of Year Reflections from Dementia Researchers
December 21, 2024
•70m
Join us for the festive edition of the Dementia Researcher Podcast, where familiar faces and voices from our blogs gather to reflect on the past year and look ahead to 2025.
Hosted by Adam Smith, this unscripted episode features engaging conversations with regular bloggers and researchers Dr Jodi Watt, Dr Sam Moxon, Dr Cliona Farrell, Dr Anna Volkmer and Dr Connor Richardson. From discussions on drug repurposing in dementia to the challenges of running a spinout company, the podcast blends professional insights with light-hearted festive banter, including debates on vegan Christmas dinners and the quintessential question of whether Yorkshire puddings belong on a Christmas plate.
Top five take-aways:
- New Horizons in Dementia Research: As the field evolves, researchers are not just sticking to the status quo. They're boldly venturing into entrepreneurial roles and innovative projects that could shake up how we approach dementia care.
- Culinary Controversies: The great debate on what makes a proper holiday meal adds a dash of humor. Whether it's defending the place of Yorkshire puddings or exploring vegan alternatives, it's clear that food is as much a part of science culture as the latest research!
- From Lab to Lifestyle: Discussions about the impact of diet on dementia bring home the point that what we eat does more than just fill our stomachs—it might also help our brains. It's food for thought that could change lives!
- Holiday Hilarity: The researchers share their quirkiest holiday traditions and favorite festive foods, reminding us that scientists are just as ready to embrace the spirit of the season with gusto and a touch of whimsy.
- Anticipating Adventures in 2025: As the new year approaches, the community buzzes with anticipation for the discoveries that lie ahead. It's a mix of excitement and mystery that keeps the field dynamic and engaging.
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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 Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.
Leave us a tip:
https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/support
Follow us on social media:
- https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
- https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
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We 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.
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