Research Fellow Recognised for Dementia Research

Both awards recognise Dr Salman’s research into the role played by the blood-brain barrier in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. His research group recently received major funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC) to conduct new “brain-on-a-chip” trials that he hopes will bring us closer to finding a cure or delay the onset of disease.

The SEB President’s Medal for Cell Biology is one of three awarded annually to early career scientists who have made outstanding contributions in the fields of animal, cell and plant biology. Dr Salman has been recognised for his contributions to better understanding the cell biology of the blood-brain barrier, which has significantly impacted the current knowledge and research on neurodegenerative diseases and drug development.

The David Hague Early Career Investigator Award recognises an outstanding early career researcher in the field of biomedical dementia research. Dr Salman received the award for his research into both blood-brain barrier (dys)function and regulation of brain water homeostasis in the central nervous system, as well as dedication to outreach, mentorship and engagement activities.

“I am humbled and honoured to have received these prestigious awards,” said Dr Salman. “Using cutting-edge technology to investigate neurogenerative diseases has been a passion of mine throughout my career. But research is also about thinking and acting beyond oneself, being responsive to unmet clinical needs and the wellbeing of patients and carers. It is a lifelong mission is to reduce the burden on relatives, care providers and the NHS, and more importantly to alleviate everyday suffering in patients. My thanks go to my support network, encouraging mentors, friendly colleagues, and generous funding agencies, in particular the Medical Research Council and Leverhulme Trust.”

Dr Salman will receive his awards at the annual conferences of both ARUK and the SEB.