SDRC Executive Committee Nominees

There are 16 nominees in total. The names of those nominated are (in alphabetical order) : 

  • Alan Gow
  • Arlene Bunton
  • Christopher Benwell
  • Chris Henstridge
  • Claire Hutchinson
  • Clara Calia
  • Gordon Duncan
  • Gordon Waiter
  • Helen Skinner
  • Louise Ritchie
  • Margaret Hence
  • Phyo Kyaw Myint
  • Otto-Emil Ilmari Jutila
  • Rhoda Macrae
  • Saturnino Luz
  • Thomas H Bak

Please use the link you will have received by email to cast your vote. You can cast a maximum of five (5) votes. Any ballot which votes more than five times will not be used.

There are five people to be elected:

  • One for Science and Technology
  • One for Psychology and Humanities
  • One for Social and Population
  • Two Open Vacancies

The election will be conducted by majority vote.

The first two candidates elected will fill the open vacancy.

The second, third, fourth and fifth candidate elected will fill empty vacancies according to category.  If a candidate(s) with the most votes are not standing in those categories, the count will continue until someone standing in one of those categories is elected.

The nominees are as follows, in alphabetical order by category:

Science and Technology

Chris Henstridge

Senior Lecturer; University of Dundee

I believe Scotland is in a unique position to drive research and innovation in brain health and I see the SDRC as a leading force in achieving this goal.
I have many years experience of working within the Scottish dementia ecosystem, having played several roles in the ARUK Scotland Network, including as Network coordinator in 2022-2023. I currently sit on the ARUK Grant Review Board and have been involved in several recent rounds of Fellowship interviews for both ARUK and Alzheimer’s Society. Furthermore, I am currently funded by the Alzheimer’s Society on a 5yr Fellowship and have a good relationship with the charity. My research is focused on commonalities across dementias, so I interact with several different charities and funders in the neurodegenerative disease space. There is a growing interest in my area of synaptic biology and pathology in relation to brain health, and I feel my expertise in this would be useful for the committee when reviewing future external opportunities or incoming funding applications.
I believe all this experience and my growing network would be useful in shaping discussions within the SDRC about future directions and funding priorities.
Personally, it would an exciting development opportunity for me to sit on an executive board and help shape how the SDRC operates.

Gordon Waiter

Reader in Medical Imaging; University of Aberdeen

I am currently a Reader in Medical Imaging at the University of Aberdeen, Director of the Aberdeen Biomedical Imaging Centre (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/ims/imaging) and Fellow of the Institute of Physics. My work is interdisciplinary by nature with links across many clinical specialties as well as Medical Imaging, Health Data Science, Biomedical Science and Computing Science. I have an international reputation in computational neuroimaging research, and I have collaborated and published widely in the field of clinical MRI with a current Google Scholar h-index of 34. My personal research programme currently focuses on the application of MRI in cognitive decline. I have worked closely with the Aberdeen Birth Cohort of 1936 (ABC1936) and the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s (ACONF) I use MRI to explore brain changes from the macroscopic to the microscopic level and their links to life-course, health, and environmental exposures. I have a strong commitment to ethics in human research. In the past I was deputy-chair of the Ethics Review Board within the School of Medicine at the University of Aberdeen but have now moved to be a member of the HRA North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee No. 2.
I believe that my expertise in computational neuroimaging and medical imaging research in general, as evidenced by my publication record, combined with my strong commitment to equality and diversity and promotion of an open and collaborative working environment would be of significant benefit to the board.
Saturnino Luz
Professor, Chair of Digital Biomarkers and Precision Medicine; University of Edinburgh
I have collaborated with Mario Parra and the SDRC board as a co-opted member of the Committee for the past year. I contribute expertise in applications of AI and machine learning technology in dementia research, and I have an extensive network of collaborators in Scotland and internationally in this area.

Social and Population

Arlene Bunton

PhD Candidate and independent sector lead; University of Stirling

I quite literally live and breathe dementia and ageing. My research is currently investigating intersectionality at the point of assessment need in community dwelling spousal dyads. This is of importance to me. As a self funding student who works full time and also is a research partner with Konpanion, in the National Robotarium in Edinburgh, I keep up to date with new and emerging research with passion and enthusiasm. I would love the opportunity to work with others in producing research, steer direction of research priorities and most importantly have impact on the quality of life for those living with dementia in our communities.
Margaret Hence
Carer
I have supported a friend for around 30 years. He has complex needs and I have used my experience as a paid carer for people with advanced Alzheimer’s, in fact a very varied work experience. I also carried out a nurse placement in Carstairs for six weeks where I learned a lot. I also worked in Turning Point Glasgow for a year as a project worker. I presented a poster in Helsinki last year about the work unpaid carers do behind closed doors. I am currently writing up a research proposal working title: The Triangulation of Care: Does it work? I am a PPI member on a few projects including the Lewy body dementia work at Newcastle University. I would enjoy a role like this where I can continue to enhance my thirst for knowledge and share my wide experience.
Otto-Emil Ilmari Jutila
PhD Student, University of Edinburgh
I am passionate about dementia research, particularly at the intersection of environmental factors, genetic influences, and cognitive health. My current PhD project at the University of Edinburgh, “Air Pollution and Dementia: Exploring Genetic, Cardiovascular, and Epigenetic Moderators and Mechanisms,” has given me a solid foundation in quantitative analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and dementia research across several research groups and cohorts in the UK, Sweden, and Germany. My experience in dementia and environmental health, alongside my knowledge in advanced statistical methods, population health, and policy positions me well to contribute to the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC).
If elected to the Executive Committee, I would bring a diverse skill set that spans precision medicine, global health, epidemiology, and dementia-specific research. I have a demonstrated ability to manage large datasets, lead research teams, and mentor students, and coordinate committees. My background also includes project management, having directed research teams and co-founded initiatives in sustainability and environmentalism. I aim to use these skills to foster collaboration, enhance interdisciplinary research outputs, and support the SDRC’s mission to represent Scotland’s dementia research on international platforms.
I am particularly driven to bring together dementia research in Scotland and explore innovative research funding opportunities and help increase national and international grants for dementia research in Scotland. My research directly aligns with SDRC’s goals of promoting collaborative, high-quality dementia research. Moreover, my experience working in international contexts, such as my visiting researcher positions at Helmholtz Munich and Karolinska Institute, has equipped me with the expertise to contribute to discussions on both the scientific and policy fronts.
My commitment to dementia research is deep-rooted, and I am dedicated to supporting the SDRC in shaping the future of dementia research through collaborative efforts that improve patient outcomes and research impact across Scotland.

Psychology and Humanities

Alan Gow

Professor; Heriot-Watt University

My research on brain health can be broadly split into two areas: identification of risk and protective factors for brain health from longitudinal studies; and the development and testing of real-world interventions to support brain health. Though my focus has predominantly been on cognitive ageing rather than dementia, there are clear links, most importantly the life course determinants of later life brain health that are relevant to dementia risk reduction. I believe my research contributions in these areas would complement those of the existing Executive Committee with specific expertise in dementia and clinical fields.
In my institution, I am co-lead of the Healthy Ageing theme in our Global Research Institute in Health and Care Technologies. Over the past year, I have developed this theme, referred to as wattAGE, which now numbers over 75 people, representing PhD students, and research, technical and academic staff. The diversity of disciplines employed spans the social and behavioural sciences, through design and urban planning, to engineering, robotics and computing science. The relevance of this to a role on SDRC’s Executive Committee is in my commitment to, and experience of, creating and supporting a research culture and environment beyond one’s own disciplinary focus. This has included, for example, developing a programme of meetings and activities for collaboration, skills development, dissemination, etc. I would seek to support existing SDRC activities, including developmental opportunities for early-career researchers, as well as considering new ways we might build interdisciplinary research capacity.
I am on the Health and Wellbeing Expert Friends Panel for Age Scotland, and through Brain Health Scotland contribute to their Professional Advisory Panel and have been supporting the development of their new brain awareness programme. I would bring these and other links to SDRC activities to support cross-sector collaboration directed towards risk reduction and living well with dementia.

Christopher Benwell
Senior Lecturer; University of Dundee
I am writing to apply for a position on the SDRC Executive Committee. I am currently a Senior Lecturer (Teaching & Research) within the Division of Psychology at the University of Dundee (UoD). In my career to date, I have established myself as an authority on the neural correlates of Alzheimer’s disease, distorted self-confidence in psychopathology, and the functional role of neural oscillations. For instance, I identified a novel electroencephalography (EEG) biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease which is currently being investigated for potential diagnostic and prognostic use. My esteem in the research community is further highlighted by invitations to join journal editorial boards and conduct peer-reviews (>100 to date).
I wish to join the SDRC Executive Committee to help shape policy in dementia research both in Scotland and internationally. I have close ongoing collaborations with dementia researchers at Harvard Medical School and across universities in the UK (Glasgow, Bath, Cardiff), mainly in the field of developing electroencephalography (EEG) as a tool for early diagnosis. I believe I can bring insights from the cutting edge of dementia neuroimaging research to the SDRC. Additionally, I am deeply committed to open science practices and am a founding member of the influential #EEGManyLabs research consortium (recipients of the Credibility in Neuroscience Team Award 2023 from the British Neuroscience Association) which aims to establish the reliability and reproducibility of the most highly cited studies in the history of electroencephalography (EEG) research. Open science practices such as data sharing and open access publishing are crucial for advancing dementia research in as timely a manner as possible.
I am passionate about applying my passion and experience beyond my own research within the SDRC. Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate your time and look forward to your response.
Claire Hutchinson
Professor of Experimental Psychology, University of the West of Scotland
I am applying for this role because I think that older people in society, particularly those with dementia or other neurological issues, are often overlooked. I believe that it is the collective responsibility of individuals in government, universities, third sector organisations and wider society to give their skills and experience freely to help address key challenges of aging and make older people’s lives better.
I bring over 20 years’ experience of research relevant to brain health to this role from my own research in experimental psychology, the goal which is to understand the mechanisms underlying visual perception and cognition in healthy human populations, and to use this knowledge to improve quality of life in older adults and relevant clinical populations. Of particular note in the context of the SDRC is my research on concurrent visual impairment and dementia.
I have led and been a member of interdisciplinary research teams, publishing work in leading journals and securing external research funding to support my research. My research crosses disciplinary boundaries, intersecting the disciplines of medicine and allied health, neuroscience, mathematics and computer science, giving me a board knowledge base of research relevant to brain health, aging and neurodegeneration.
My experience extends beyond my own research. I take responsibility for ensuring research is of the highest standards in the context of its originality, significance and rigour. This includes assessment of research quality internally in my own university and externally, in my role as reviewer for leading international research journals and grant awards in my field. I review grant applications for UKRI and for grant-awarding charities. I also have experience of successfully engaging the public in research, both in the context of public engagement activities and in the context of PPI and the co-creation of research with relevant communities.

Louise Ritchie

Professor, Psychology and Humanities; University of the West of Scotland

I am standing for re-election to the SDRC Executive Committee for my second term. I have been working in dementia research in Scotland for over 15 years and the SDRC has been instrumental in supporting and developing my career from ECR to research leader. I am currently Professor of Dementia and Later Life and Director of the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice at the University of the West of Scotland. Since 2019, I have been a member of the SDRC Executive Committee, representing the Living with Dementia theme. I co-led the SDRC Covid Impact report and the development of the SDRC support offering in response to the challenges facing early career researchers post-Covid.
My research explores the experiences of people with dementia in the workplace and seeks to develop supports and interventions that promote purposeful lives for people living with dementia. Meaningful involvement of people living with dementia and family carers is at the heart of all of my work and I am passionate about supporting people with lived experience to drive the research agenda to ensure research is wanted, impactful and considers real world applications.
I would love the opportunity to serve a second term on the SDRC Executive Committee. If elected I will remain committed to promoting opportunities for Early Career Researchers, meaningfully involving people with lived experience in all our activities and representing Scottish Dementia researchers on national and international platforms.

Clara Calia

Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology; University of Edinburgh

I am applying for a position on the Executive Committee of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium, or potentially for the role of Chair, to contribute my expertise and leadership in promoting inclusion, diversity, and ethical practices in dementia research. As a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, I have been deeply involved in driving systemic change to ensure that health professions better serve diverse communities. I have championed a widening access agenda in clinical psychology education, promoting greater cultural diversity in our graduates and leading innovations in training programmes to prepare future healthcare professionals to address inequalities in access to care.
My leadership in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is reflected in my role as Chair of the EDI Committee for the Clinical Doctorate in Psychology, where I have led initiatives such as creating an EDI action plan, developing teaching and research templates, and sharing resources to support diverse learners and practitioners. My commitment to social justice is embedded in my research, focusing on cross-cultural neuropsychology and addressing the socio-cultural factors that influence neuropsychological assessments. As a founding member of the European Consortium on Cross-Cultural Neuropsychology (ECCroN), I advocate for culturally sensitive assessments and improvements in training for neuropsychologists across Europe.
Furthermore, my involvement with the Global Dementia Prevention Program (GloDePP) highlights my ability to engage in international collaboration to tackle dementia on a global scale. I bring a vision of equity, participation, and ethical research to every project I lead, which aligns with the mission of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium. I am confident that my experience and commitment to driving meaningful change would make a valuable contribution to the Consortium’s work.
Thomas H Bak
Reader in Human Cognition; University of Edinburgh
After studying medicine and completing a doctorate on acute aphasias I have been working in clinical psychiatry and neurology in Bern, Switzerland, Berlin and Cambridge. For the last three decades, the focus of my work has been on different types of dementia, in particular the relationship between cognitive and motor functions and the role of language and of its dysfunction. I have done pioneering work on the role of multilingualism in delaying the onset of dementia and currently I am working on changes in pattern of language use in multilinguals in normal ageing and dementia. My research on cognitive effects of language learning has inspired a Glasgow-based social enterprise “Lingo Flamingo” to offer language courses to patients with dementia, in day centres as well as in residential care.
While in Cambridge, I have contributed to the development of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE) and in Edinburgh, I designed, together with Sharon Abrahams, the Edinburgh Cognitive Assessment (ECAS), which minimises the impact of motor dysfunction on cognitive performance. In the years 2010-2018 I was president of the Research Group on Aphasia, Dementia and Cognitive Disorders (RG ADCD) of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). In this role, thanks to a WFN grant I had obtained, I organised a series of teaching courses in cognitive neurology across South America and Asia. Last year, I was elected as the International Scientific Advisor of a new Centre for Language and Wellbeing at Jiaotong University in Shanghai, China. The work of the centre involves dementia as well as aphasia.
While I would like to continue my international research and teaching, I wish also to turn my experience and expertise into a more substantial contribution to dementia research and care in Scotland. Hence my application to join SDRC Executive Board.

Clinical, Health and Applied Practice

Gordon Duncan

Consultant Physician & NHS Research Scotland Fellow & Hon Clinical Senior Lecturer; NHS Lothian & University of Edinburgh

I am a Consultant Geriatrician, NRS Clinician and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Edinburgh. My clinical and research interests are in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

I am actively involved in the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NDN) and serve as the Clinical Lead for the NHS Lothian team. I strive to expand the NDN portfolio, acting as the principal investigator for observational studies and clinical trials. I am an enthusiastic supporter of early career researchers and encourage doctors to become active in clinical research. I work closely with Parkinson’s UK and contribute to their dementia work stream.

I am applying for this role as I want to strengthen my contribution to the clinical and scientific programme for dementia in Scotland. In my daily practice, I care for people affected by dementia and witness the impact upon them and their families. This experience underpins my commitment to contributing to addressing the challenges of understanding these conditions, prevention strategies, developing better treatments, and disease-modifying therapies. Addressing these challenges requires national, collaborative, interdisciplinary programs underpinned by a clear vision, coordinated strategic planning and a commitment to delivery. The Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC) is a vital clinical and scientific collaboration, with the potential to direct significant resources and efforts towards tackling dementia.

Joining the SDRC executive committee would enable me to expand my knowledge and contribution to dementia research, offering professional development opportunities and allowing me to learn from the experience within the committee.

I hope that I would bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, commitment to collaboration and a complementary skill set to the committee, particularly with my interest in Parkinson’s and Dementia with Lewy bodies, which despite their prevalence and significant symptom burden, are often overlooked in policy, clinical care and research discussions.

Helen Skinner

Dementia Nurse Consultant / NHS Fife

I am applying for the Executive Committee of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium (SDRC) because I am deeply committed to advancing dementia research and improving outcomes for individuals and families living with dementia. With dementia being a growing concern in Scotland, I am passionate about contributing to a collaborative effort that drives impactful research and innovations in care.
I am a part time Clinical Doctorate student at the University of Stirling. I work full time as a Dementia Nurse Consultant in NHS Fife and I also do consultancy work for Brain Health Scotland as a Practice Development Consultant.
My research interest is in the use of personalised music for people living with dementia and I am just about to start data collection for my current research study which will be exploring if using personalised music playlists for people with dementia in a mental health hospital setting supports relationship centred care in dementia care triads (person living with dementia, their care partner and healthcare professional).
I bring a unique combination of expertise in research communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategic thinking. My experience working across academic, healthcare, community and third sector organisations equips me with the ability to bridge gaps between researchers, policymakers, and the public. I have a strong track record of translating scientific information into accessible formats, ensuring research findings reach a broader audience and drive meaningful change.
I would like to contribute to shaping the SDRC’s strategy to prioritise and amplify cutting-edge dementia research, while ensuring that the voice of those living with dementia is central to decision-making.

Phyo Kyaw Myint

Professor of Medicine of Old Age; University of Aberdeen

I am a clinical academic geriatrician with both clinical & research experience in dementia. My current involvement in older people’s health and dementia at national level includes (1) Member (one of Scotland Representatives) of National Institute for Healthcare Research (NIHR) Dementia Portfolio Development Group, Department of Health, (2) Co-Chair: Ageing & Frailty Standard, Health Improvement Scotland, Scottish Government, and (3) Member of SIGN Council (RCP London Representative). I have led or involved in several dementia research projects with specific expertise and track records in clinical and pharmacoepidemiology. Most importantly, as a jobbing geriatrician who has first hand experience in looking after people with dementia in North East of Scotland, I will be able to provide high level clinical and research insights to the SDRC Executive Committee.

Rhoda Macrae

Reader; University of the West of Scotland

As a former mental health nurse and social scientist who has worked extensively in and at the interface of practice I can bring a wealth of experience around creating impactful research. My approach to research is collaborative and inclusive, for me this means the active involvement of people affected by dementia in the research process and working across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.
My recent research has focused on a marginalised and vulnerable population, people with suspected or diagnosed dementia who live in secure communities such as prisons and forensic settings. I am committed to developing the careers of ECRs. I have led an institutional Seedcorn fund that is designed to build applied interdisciplinary dementia research capacity amongst ECRs and MCRs new to dementia research. I have long been involved with dementia education research, nationally and internationally, exploring how we can educate those who formally and informally care and support people living with dementia. Going forward I want to continue to develop and advance the work outlined above and work with colleagues and people with lived experience of dementia to reposition societal understanding of dementia. I will bring this experience along with strong organisational and networking skills to the SDRC committee to promote meaningful collaborative interdisciplinary research within and across the themes.