David Dexter

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.