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Sarah Gregory
Name:
Dr Sarah Gregory
Job Title:
Lecturer & Head of IONA
Place of work/study:
University of St Andrews & Scottish Brain Sciences
Area of Research:
My work focuses on understanding more about risk and resilience factors for the diseases that cause dementia across the life course. Right now my two main risk & resilience interest areas are women’s health and diet.
How is your research funded:
University of St Andrews: Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Research UK; Scottish Brain Sciences is a commercial organisation.
Tell us a little about yourself:
During my psychology degree, I had the opportunity to complete a placement year in an older adults’ mental health service. It was here that I first discovered my passion for working in this area. Since 2010, I have been involved in research with people living with, and at risk of, dementia—initially working on clinical trials and, more recently, on cohort studies. I completed both my MSc at UCL and my PhD at the University of Edinburgh part-time while working as a study coordinator. Following this, I undertook a couple of great postdoctoral projects at the University of Edinburgh. In 2026, I joined the University of St Andrews as a Lecturer. Alongside my academic role, I have also been leading a cohort study at Scottish Brain Sciences, an independent research organisation, since 2023. Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog, working my way through my ever-growing reading list, and staying active—anything from yoga and spinning to weight training.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
My claim to fame is that I was a waitress in the final episode of Great British Menu in 2010 and got to serve the now King and Queen- I’m sure you can find evidence in the BBC iPlayer Archives!
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
As mentioned, it was my placement year back in my undergraduate studies that was really instrumental in this decision. Getting to spend time working with people living with dementia and their families was so interesting and rewarding that I knew that was where I wanted to take my career, and I’ve been luckily enough to get to do that as my job since graduating!
What single piece of advice would you give to an early-career researcher?
The best piece of advice I ever got was to do what interests you, and you’ll always enjoy your job!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I’ve just finished The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne, and I’ve been recommending it to all of my friends.
Favourite film of all time?
I’m terrible at watching new films. I think my most watched film of all time is Mean Girls, an iconic millennial film!
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Doing something active to get moving – even a quick walk around the block works wonders as a reset after a tricky piece of work.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Going to the University of Bath for my undergraduate studies. They were one of the few places offering placement years for Psychology students at the time and I wouldn’t have my career today without that year to show me what I wanted to do. I also met my husband and our best friends there. Thanks to my dad for driving me to so many campuses, generally in the pouring rain, to help me decide!
What’s the best vacation spot?
I do love a holiday and exploring different cultures, but I think we also have so many brilliant places in the UK to explore, from the Highlands and Islands in Scotland to the beautiful beaches of Cornwall, a UK break can be so much fun!
Do you collect anything?
Too many books?!
Alzheimer's Society
Dr Sam Moxon
DEMON Network