Researchers, clinicians, policymakers and charity leaders came together during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) for a special networking reception hosted jointly by Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) and Alzheimer’s Society.
The event provided an opportunity for delegates from across the UK and beyond to connect, share ideas and reflect on the significant progress being made in dementia research.
The event brought together experts from academia, healthcare, life sciences and the charity sector and highlighted the importance of collaboration in accelerating the development of new treatments and improving diagnosis for people affected by dementia.
Opening the event was Michelle Dyson, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, who was joined by Hilary Evans-Newton, CEO of ARUK and co-chair of The BARBARA Alliance.
A highlight of the evening was an inspiring address from Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear since July 2024, who spoke passionately about the advances being made in dementia research and the growing momentum behind scientific innovation.
Lord Vallance, who served as HM Government chief scientific adviser from 2018 to 2023, emphasised the vital role that academia, researchers, industry and the life sciences sector must continue to play in translating discoveries into effective treatments and more accurate, earlier diagnostics.
The BARBARA Alliance will play a pivotal role in this ambition, predominantly through BARBARA – the Brain Ageing Registry for Biomarkers, Access to trials, Research and Adoption.
This single source of data and evidence gathered from multiple cohorts, biomarkers and real world data will help to support the research community, patients, carers and the public.
Former Science Minister Lord Vallance speaks to People’s Champion Scott Mitchell at the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK hosted reception for AAIC 2026.
His remarks reinforced the importance of sustained investment and partnership across the research ecosystem to ensure that scientific breakthroughs can deliver meaningful benefits for people living with dementia and their families.
The reception was also attended by Scott Mitchell, widower of the late Dame Barbara Windsor and People’s Champion of The Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme.
“As research continues to advance at pace, events such as these play an important role in strengthening partnerships, encouraging new collaborations and maintaining the collective momentum needed to deliver life-changing outcomes for people living with dementia around the world,” said Jessamy Baird, CEO of The BARBARA Alliance.
CEO Jessamy Baird MBE with Lord Vallance