David Dexter Email & Phone Number

I am an Associate Research Director at Parkinson’s UK and Professor of Neuropharmacology at Imperial College London. Over the last three years, I have managed funding strategy for the largest patient-led charity for Parkinson’s in Europe, bringing a fresh, holistic approach to grants and research funding, from drug discovery to late-stage clinical trials.Having completed a PhD in Neuropharmacology on the role of iron and oxidative stress in the aetiology of Parkinson’s disease, my professional career started at Imperial College London, initially as a Lecturer, progressing to Professor in 2012 and Deputy Head of the Division of Brain Sciences in 2014.Here, I unified teaching, research and funding with the creation of a new dedicated neuroscience division that consolidated knowledge from six sites, attracted new talent, expanded course offering, and initiated a PhD succession pipeline.During this time, I founded Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank that contributed to new drug discovery, advancing scientific development with a clinically acclaimed global tissue resource. I grew registered donors by raising awareness and devised innovative approaches to educate the public and promote the cause. I have played a key role in drug discovery, identifying three of the six recognised processes which are thought to cause Parkinson’s, and clinically testing iron chelators to slow Parkinson’s.Since joining Parkinson’s UK, I have transformed peer review processes for grant applications, and funded £15M of virtual biotech projects that have fast-tracked drug development with a unique funding model.My leadership experience has provided me with a unique perspective, and as such, I take a pragmatic view on ways to add stakeholder value, create solid platforms for growth, and commercialise discovery-led research.I have published extensively and regularly present at international Neuroscience and Parkinson’s conferences.I am always interested in connecting with those who would like to know more about my work.

Listed skills include Neuropharmacology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, and 6 others.