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Using Physics, Biology and Chemistry to tackle dementia, and do only humans get it?

Professor Frank Gunn-Moore

Professor Frank Gunn-Moore

Professor Frank Gunn-Moore FRSB FRSE
co-Director of the Mackenzie Institute
University of St Andrews

In the Augustine United Church
41 George IV Bridge
Edinburgh, EH1 1EL
On Monday 30th March 2026, at 7pm

My group studies the development and survival of the mammalian nervous system. Our approach has been one of combining all three science disciplines. We have made discoveries in understanding the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, pioneering new models and identified potential therapeutic targets and drugs. In addition, we have developed novel optical technology that allows the controlled poration of cell impermeant biological material into any required cell type; the controlled growth and sorting of cells by use of light; and the development of novel imaging technologies. We publish in biological, chemical and physics-based journals.

I graduated with BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences at the University of Edinburgh and went on to do my PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. Postdoctoral research at the University of Bristol, uncovering the signalling of the neurotrophic factors, and then the University of Edinburgh, working on uncovering how myelin attaches to nerve cells. I started my own independent group at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews in 2000. More recently I was the Deputy Director of the Scottish Universities Life Science Alliance, Chair of the ARUK Scottish network and I was the Head of Biology University of St Andrews. Currently I am the co-Director of the Mackenzie Institute and part of the SFC funded Brain Health-ARC.

If you do not wish to attend the lecture in person, it will also be simultaneously available by Zoom. Fellows on our mailing list will be sent details about a week before the meeting. Anyone else should email zoom@rssa.org.uk if they want to attend this event online.

Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits are served from about 6:40pm onwards before the meetings.
Members of the Public are welcome to attend.

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Mr Peter Jones, Secretary
secretary@rssa.org.uk
Telephone: 0131 622 0428