GW4 AI for Dementia Research Community

Dementia remains one of the most complex and pressing health challenges of our time, with no cure and limited treatment options. Despite major advances, key problems remain unresolved, in particular the lack of effective early diagnosis, limited understanding of disease mechanisms, a high failure rate of clinical trials, and the absence of effective treatments. This project seeks to address these challenges by building a cross-disciplinary research community that brings together expertise in AI, data science, clinical practice and biology. By fostering collaboration across these domains, the group aims to bridge gaps between disciplines and generate innovative solutions at the intersection of dementia research and technology. 

The main funded activity on the Development Award project will be an interdisciplinary workshop in Bristol in September/October 2025.  This event will bring together researchers from across the GW4 Alliance to foster new collaborations in dementia research, with a focus on the role of AI and data science. The event will feature keynote talks, flash research presentations, and contributions from industry partners. Participants from all four GW4 universities—including academics, early career researchers, and PDRAs—will engage in interactive discussions aimed at developing joint research ideas and identifying future funding opportunities. The workshop will explore key challenges in dementia research, such as early diagnosis, treatment strategies, and care system design, encouraging cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary collaboration. A key objective of the workshop will be to generate fundable project ideas.