Our blogs cover a whole range of topics, to help early career dementia researchers (ECRs). Our contributors share information about their research, from social care to basic science, share advice from their own experiences, careers tips, what they learned from recent training events and conferences and much more. We have a small team of ECR staff bloggers who write each month, on a whole range of topics and every year we add more people who discuss their experiences of studying at particular places or on different topics. In addition to our staff bloggers, we welcome one-off contributions, and curate and link to content from other great sources, including our charity partners, the LSE Impact Blog, Nature Careers and where ever great support can be found.
To help find what you're looking for, you can browse through the articles, or use the filters on the right to find blogs by a particular person, or on a particular topic.
We are always on the lookout for new contributors, so if you would like to write for us, just head to the forum to drop us a line, or email dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk
All of our blogs (since April 2020) come with narrations from the writer. You can listen while you read along on our website, or enjoy our blogs on the move via your podcast app. Look for Dementia Researcher Blogs, or visit one of these platforms, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify and Goodpods.
Blog – It’s getting (too) hot in here; the climate crisis & brain health
Dr Clíona Farrell on what the Hot Brain conference revealed about heatwaves, air pollution and the brain health of people with dementia.
Blog – Optimise, troubleshoot, repeat – Beginning a new project
Dr Clíona Farrell reflects on starting a new postdoc, sharing how planning, troubleshooting, and perseverance shape early project progress in the lab.
Blog – Returning to work after a travel-filled career break
After five months travelling across Asia, Dr Clíona Farrell returns to a postdoc at UCL and reflects on breaks, doubt, and starting again.
Blog – World Alzheimer’s Day reflection
Dr Clíona Farrell reflects on progress, challenges, and hope in Alzheimer’s research this World Alzheimer’s Day, sharing why she's inspired to study the disease
Blog – Genetically determined Alzheimer’s: ADAD-DSAD Recap
Dr Clíona Farrell shares insights from the ADAD-DSAD meeting on genetically determined Alzheimer’s, spanning research, trials, and lived experience.
Blog – Climate Change and the Brain
Dr Clíona Farrell shares insights from Hot Brain 3 on how climate change affects brain health, neurological conditions, and care systems worldwide.
Blog – How to be okay facing the unknown
Facing the unknown can feel overwhelming. In this guest blog, Dr Clíona Farrell shares reflections on uncertainty, career breaks, and embracing not knowing.
Blog – First time through the publication process
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her experience of getting a first data paper published – the unknowns, the iterations, and the reality behind each stage.
Blog – How PPIE involvement can Improve a Conference
Guest blog by Dr Clíona Farrell on how PPIE made a research conference more inclusive, impactful, and accessible for all. A must-read for every scientist.
Blog – My first time as a peer reviewer
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her first experience as a peer reviewer—navigating confidence, challenges & the process. A must-read for early career researchers!
Blog – Experience from a collaborative research trip
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her experience of a US research visit, offering insights on planning, securing funding, and the benefits of international collaboration
Blog – A vascular element of Alzheimer’s: Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Explore the lesser-known yet critical aspect of Alzheimer’s disease with Dr Clíona Farrell’s insights on Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and its impact.
Blog – Should You Stay? Pros and Cons of Postdoc’ing in Your PhD Lab
Dr Clíona Farrell shares the upsides and challenges of staying in your PhD lab for a postdoc, weighing career benefits, comfort, and fresh perspectives
Blog – Journey to a PhD: A week in the life of a PhD student
Curious about PhD life? Read Dr Clíona Farrell's 3'd blog in the series, exploring the variety of lab work, data analysis, and more!
Blog – Journey to a PhD: How to write a standout CV and Cover Letter
Crafting the perfect PhD application? Read Dr Clíona Farrell’s blog for expert tips on writing a standout CV and cover letters to land your ideal position
Blog – Journey to a PhD: How to get there
From undergrad confusion to securing a PhD, Dr Clíona Farrell shares her journey and offers tips on navigating the competitive path to a research career
Blog – Communicating your science effectively: know your audience
Read Dr Clíona Farrell’s guest blog on effective science communication and discover tips for engaging diverse audiences and sharing your research.
Blog – News from the Trisomy 21 Research Society Conference
Insights from the T21RS conference on Alzheimer's in Down syndrome from Dr Clíona Farrell. Latest research & inclusivity highlights. #Alzheimers #DownSyndrome
Blog – Tackling the PhD thesis through planning
Dr Clíona Farrell shares her top tips and personal experiences to make PhD thesis writing less daunting and more enjoyable. Transform your journey today!
Blog – Dementia in Down syndrome and the role of neuroinflammation
In her first blog Clíona Farrell discusses her research and why inclusion of people with Down syndrome is a key to understanding Alzheimer's Disease.

