Rauan Kaiyrzhanov

Dr. Rauan Kaiyrzhanov, a Clinical Research Fellow at the Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), specializes in neurogenetics. He earned his medical degree from Semey State Medical Academy in Kazakhstan and pursued further education at UCL, obtaining both an MSc and PhD in Clinical Neurology. Dr. Kaiyrzhanov’s doctoral research focused on identifying the genetic causes of rare pediatric neurological disorders in Central Asian and Transcaucasian populations.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kaiyrzhanov has held various clinical and academic positions, including serving as a Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in Astana and as an Associate Professor at the South Kazakhstan Medical Academy.

His research interests span a broad spectrum, encompassing rare pediatric neurological diseases and neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Kaiyrzhanov is recognized for his contributions to identifying novel disease genes and pathways, particularly in the context of rare diseases prevalent in Central Asia and Transcaucasia.

Recipient of several prestigious grants and awards, Dr. Kaiyrzhanov has authored over 50 publications, including groundbreaking discoveries related to novel disease genes such as ACBD6 and LETM1, and other genetic abnormalities underlying rare neurological conditions.

Since 2022, Dr. Kaiyrzhanov has been leading the MJFF funded project CAT-PD, focusing on studying the genetics of Parkinson’s disease in Central Asia. This project aims to establish a collaborative biobank of Parkinson’s disease in Central Asia and Transcaucasus.