David Dexter Email & Phone Number

London, England, United Kingdom

I am Research Director at Parkinson’s UK and visiting Professor of Neuropharmacology at Imperial College London. Over the last 6 years as the Associate Research Director I have managed the research grants funding strategy for the largest Parkinson’s medical research funder in Europe and the largest membership based Parkinson’s charity globally. Over this time I have modernised our grants programmes, introduced a “College of Experts” peer review process and introduced new grants schemes. This has resulted in being able to make funding decisions more quickly, accelerate discoveries which enhance our knowledge of the causes of Parkinson’s and accelerate the development of drug and non-drug approaches for treating Parkinson’s. During this time I have also managed our funding for strategic projects, such as Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank, longitudinal clinical cohorts, Critical Path for Parkinson’s and EU Innovative Medicines Initiative projects. I have also played a key role in helping the charity make funding decisions for research projects within the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech portfolio.In my new role as Research Director I will take on responsibility for the Directorates Research Communication programmes and the charity's highly developed involvement initiatives, where people affected by Parkinson’s play an important role in grant funding decisions through reviewing grants through to helping researchers design better clinical trials. Through exciting new initiatives we will engage more people affected by Parkinson’s with our research communications and increase the number of research initiates available for the community.My role as Director of Research will be assisted by an extensive and successful career in Parkinson’s research and management, 24 years of which was spent at Imperial College where I was Deputy Head of Division of Brain Sciences.I am always interested in connecting with those who would like to know more about my work.

London, England, United Kingdom

Brought clarity and focus to funding strategy by combining academic and scientific research knowledge to add value, strengthen capabilities and achieve organisational priorities.Led teams and £multimillion budgets across a Research Grants Programme, Virtual Biotech funding stream, and patient involvement and engagement initiatives.Collaborated on ‘Accelerating Research Breakthroughs’ that adopted a broader, more commercial approach to funding. Delivered smarter, quicker and more effective clinical trials, leveraged external agency funding and capitalised on global partnerships.Optimised quality, maximised resources and reduced administration with a pioneering “College of Experts” peer review process.Integrated technology into drug discovery through AI platforms that identified repurposing drugs and assisted the development of novel target areas faster than traditional methods.

Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London

Progressed from Lecturer to Professor in 2012, and to Deputy Head of the Division of Brain Sciences in 2014. Directed academics and matrix managed teams across six campuses. Stepped down as Deputy Head of Brain Sciences in Feb 2017, maintaining an honorary Professorial position.► Professor of Neuropharmacology▸ Trained the next generation of scientists and medical doctors; developed and taught BSc / MSc programmes and mentored PhD students.▸ Established new courses and revenue streams for the MSc in Translational Neuroscience. Changed mindsets and added value through patient participation.▸ Contributed to peer review, grants and publications, and served on global funding agency panels and editorial boards.▸ Contributed to new drug discovery by creating Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank; established global tissue resource that supplies high quality bio-samples. ▸ Grew registered donors from zero to 14,000 by raising awareness, including national roadshows.► Deputy Head of Brain Sciences▸ Brought integrated approaches to teaching, research and funding with the creation of a dedicated neuroscience division.▸ Pioneered clinical trials for better treatments and cures, developing the first repurposing drug to prevent toxic increase in brain iron.▸ Strengthened international profile; helped establish prestigious medical degree course through partnership with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, as well as growing intake of overseas students.▸ Improved public awareness of Science through external events and optimised multimedia exposure.

Phd, Neuropharmacology

Bsc (Hons), Pharmacology, 2:1