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 – 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 – The Best of Both Worlds
Emily Spencer reflects on her decision to return to work after 9 months of maternity leave, navigating challenges of academia, finances, and parenthood
Blog – Mimicking Dementia: What is Functional Cognitive Disorder?
Discover how Functional Cognitive Disorder mimics dementia but differs in key ways. Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali explains the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.
Blog – Developing ‘Core Outcomes’ for MCI Research
Discover how Victoria Gabb and colleagues are developing 'core outcomes' for mild cognitive impairment research. Follow their journey and learn why it matters
Blog – Flying Solo to an International Conference? A Survival Guide
Discover top tips for solo conference travel in Dr Sam Moxon's guide. From reducing anxiety to networking, learn how to make the most of your solo adventure!
Blog – The Open Secret: A Piece on Academic Bullying
Academic bullying is an open secret, but change is possible. Explore the impact of power dynamics and hierarchy in Dr Yvonne Couch's thought-provoking blog
Blog – Returning to University Post-Placement Year: Nervous or Excited?
Join Yasmin as she transitions from her thrilling placement year back to university, ready to tackle the final stretch with newfound insights!
Blog – The Evolving Landscape of PhD Funding
Adam Smith examines changes in PhD funding, with a focus on the rise of Doctoral Training Centres and their role in shaping interdisciplinary research.
Blog – In Defence of Academia
Dr Connor Richardson reflects on the challenges of academic research, sharing his passion for science, mentorship, and the practical benefits of academia.
Blog – Reflections on My PhD Viva & Next Steps
Don't miss Dr Hannah Hussain's final blog! She reflects on her PhD viva journey, sharing insights and tips for success. A must-read for PhD students!
Blog – My Experience as a Co-Researcher
Following a diagnosis with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Martin Robertson's life changed, & since then he has discovered a passion for research and co-production
Blog – Making Friends When You’re the Newcomer
Boost your research like an Olympian! Embrace performance coaching to enhance well-being, resilience, and productivity in dementia research. Get on the podium!
Blog – The Joys of Academia (Seriously)
Rebecca Williams explores academia’s highs and lows, from research challenges to the joys of being a computational neuroscientist. Be inspired by her story!
Blog – Inequity in dementia drug development
Explore the inequalities in dementia drug development with Dr Jodi Watt's latest blog. Discover the challenges and strides in creating inclusive treatments.
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 – Think big – moving from the individual to the population
Explore Dr Lis Grey's insights on shifting from individual to population-level strategies to tackle dementia and chronic disease prevention. Read more now!
Blog – Pain, Perception, and Childbirth: Can a Woman be Believed?
Emily Spencer explores how dismissing women’s pain in childbirth parallels the disbelief faced by people with dementia in healthcare settings.
Alzheimer’s Society invests £9m in Doctoral Training Centres
Alzheimer’s Society invests £9m in Doctoral Training Centres to boost early career researchers and accelerate dementia research breakthroughs.
Blog – Poetic Tales from Dementia Wards
Dr Ayokunmi Ojebode unveils the emotional depth and dignity of those living with dementia through the powerful lens of poetry - Read or Listen
Blog – Selfish Reasons for Open Science
Explore the selfish benefits of Open Science with Rebecca Williams: faster analysis, easier publishing, and free sanity checks. Make Open Science work for you!
Blog – What is polysomnography?
Join Amelia Robson as she navigates the challenges of using Polysomnography in research, bringing cutting-edge sleep science directly into patients' homes.
Blog – The Mind’s Hidden Fortress: Cognitive Reserve and Dementia
Explore how cognitive reserve acts as the brain's hidden fortress against dementia in Dr Sam Moxon's blog. Learn how to build resilience!
Blog – Research Like an Olympian
Boost your research like an Olympian! Embrace performance coaching to enhance well-being, resilience, and productivity in dementia research. Get on the podium!
Blog – Resilience
Dr Yvonne Couch's charts a journey on resilience in academia. Learn how to navigate challenges and build resilience while avoiding toxic positivity.
Blog – A reflection of my year in an Oxford Lab
Yasmin Bonsu's shares her journey in an Oxford Lab, reflecting on personal growth, impactful research, and the importance of diversity in science
Blog – Challenges of Dementia Care for Ethnic Minorities in the UK
In this blog Hannah Hussain writes about the unique challenges diverse communities face in UK dementia care and why we need inclusive solutions.
Blog – Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries
Dr Connor Richardson is back with Part 2 of his blog - this time he's over the promotion failure and finding his promotable alter ego (the confident one)
Blog – Navigating challenging conversations in academia
Dr Jodi Watt discusses effective communication in academia. Learn to support colleagues with empathy—read the latest blog for practical tips!
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 – Ethical review process guided by people with dementia
Explore the vital role of dementia patients in navigating the ethical review process. Learn how effective PPIE leads to successful NHS ethics applications.
Blog – Academic precarity: Moving the discussion forward
Dr Lis Grey's blog on academic precarity explore challenges and solutions for better research job security. Let's create a brighter future for researchers.
Blog – Identity revisited: Becoming a parent
Emily Spencer's journey into motherhood shows it's not one-size-fits-all. Embrace your identity and grow into the role of parenthood in your own unique way
Blog – The Cost of Research
In this blog Dr Yvonne Couch discusses research funding. Discover the rising challenges in research funding and why it's harder now than ever
Blog – Ultimate guide to making the most of the AAIC
Discover Dr Helena Gellersen's comprehensive guide and insights on maximising your conference attendance and AAIC experiences. Read the blog now!
Blog – Perfectionism: The Why Matters
Discover how Rebecca Williams overcame the pressures of academic perfectionism and found joy in her work. Embrace your journey and redefine success!
Blog – Working with Patients from a Different Generation
Discover how Research Assistant, Amelia Robson bridges generational gaps in dementia research with warmth, curiosity, and conversation starters.
Blog – What actually happens at funding committees?
Dr Clarissa Giebel shares insights from her NIHR funding committee experience, highlighting the grant review process and the importance of strong applications.
Blog – The Quest to Understand Motor Neuron Disease
Insights into Motor Neuron Disease through an engaging interview by Athena Bratopoulou with Dr Zsófia László, shedding light on groundbreaking research and hope
Blog – The grant review process; perspective of an ECR
Dr Hannah Smith highlights her unique role as the first Early Career Researcher on MND Scotland’s Scientific Advisory Panel, showcasing its significant benefits
Blog – Diet and Motor Neuron Disease, Is There Anything Here?
Explore the link between diet and Motor Neuron Disease (MND) with Dr Sam Moxon. Discover how different dietary choices could impact MND risk and management.
Blog – Academic Promotions: A Tale of Two Tries
Dr Connor Richardson shares his journey through academic promotions, dealing with an unsuccessful attempt, and the lessons learned. A must-read for academics!
Blog – The Transformative Potential of AI on Basic Science
Discover how AI can transform research at the basic science level. Enhance collaboration, improve data analysis, and accelerate discoveries. By Ajantha Abey.
Blog – Waste in Academic Research
Dr Yvonne Couch provides an insightful take on inefficiencies in academic research, highlighting wasted resources and financial constraints. What can be done?
Blog – Benefits of Completing a Placement Year
Discover the benefits of a placement year in a lab with Yasmin Bonsu, Undergrad student at The University of Manchester. Gain experience, skills, and clarity!
Blog – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Dr Jodi Watt reflects on the challenging decision of whether to stay in academia or explore new career paths. Read their insightful thoughts and reflections.
Blog – Journal Clubs: How can I set one up?
Looking to start a journal club? Learn how Dr Clarissa Giebel runs a successful monthly dementia research journal club, engaging researchers and public advisors
Blog – So, you think you could be a rater…Maybe not!
Dr Emma Law, a clinical trials expert with over 35 years of experience, shares insights into the complexities and realities faced by clinical trial raters.
Blog – Fate, Research and Retirement
Retired nurse Bernie found purpose in dementia research, blending clinical skills with new insights. Discover how fate made retirement fulfilling and impactful.

