Alzheimer’s Research UK is the UK’s leading dementia research charity, working to revolutionise how dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented. 

In February, Alzheimer’s Research UK brought its Research Conference to Manchester. During the conference, leading researchers, clinicians and scientists shared the latest insights, innovations and findings, exploring the future of dementia research and connecting with peers to unlock new collaborations. 

A city of health innovation 

Manchester has a long-standing legacy of health innovation and research. It is a city of firsts, from groundbreaking breast cancer research and the world’s first hip replacement to pioneering radiotherapy and the birth of the world’s first IVF baby. 

Today, Greater Manchester is one of the UK’s leading life sciences regions, combining world-class clinical research, real-world data expertise and a uniquely connected health and innovation system. 

The city is home to UK Biobank, The Christie, Europe’s largest single-site cancer hospital, and one of the NHS’s seven Genomic Laboratory Hubs. 

Manchester’s life sciences ecosystem also includes one of the largest clinical academic campuses in Europe, bringing together two universities and Manchester Royal Infirmary along the Oxford Road Corridor. More recently, the University of Manchester has opened a state-of-the-art medical training building at Royal Bolton Hospital. 

This strong track record of medical breakthroughs and innovation makes Manchester an ideal place to bring together researchers and leaders shaping the future of dementia research. 

Making world-class research accessible 

Ahead of the main conference, volunteers from Alzheimer’s Research UK and researchers from the University of Manchester took over Manchester Art Gallery for a programme of interactive public engagement events. These sessions gave local people the opportunity to connect with dementia research and learn more about the latest progress. 

Activities included arts and crafts, games such as Snakes and Ladders, 3D brain models and an augmented reality app exploring how the brain works. A collection of tapestry artworks, created by a person living with dementia, was also on display, offering a powerful insight into the lived experience of the condition. 

Children were invited to collect a passport and gather stamps as they moved between activities, with the chance to win a prize at the end. Parents found themselves asking questions too, learning more about brain health and how to reduce the risk of dementia. 

Designed to engage people of all ages, the activities helped bring Alzheimer’s research to life and highlighted the importance of continued investment in dementia research. 

With support from volunteers across Manchester’s universities, the events created meaningful opportunities for the public to connect directly with scientists and researchers. Visitors were able to learn more about dementia, its causes and prevention, as well as the science behind how our brains work. 

Ginny Hawkins, Researcher at the University of Manchester, said: 

“I’m volunteering with Alzheimer’s Research UK, a charity that supports people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and their families, but crucially also funds research to help find a cure. The activities we’re running today are engaging people with our research, helping them understand brain health and what we can all do to keep our brains healthy, as well as learning more about what causes dementia. 

“For us, it’s vital to explain our research to everyone, including patients and carers, so we can better understand their needs and share the advances we’re making.” 

George Mack, Involvement and Engagement Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: 

“We’re delivering a major public engagement event here at Manchester Art Gallery to communicate with the public about dementia and brain health and to bridge the gap between researchers and the community. We’ve created a range of fun, interactive activities to help people understand the disease, from key statistics and physical changes in the brain to opportunities to meet real scientists. 

“This programme sits alongside our Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference, allowing us to bring Manchester’s ground-breaking research directly to the public and encourage two-way conversations. Manchester has an exceptional network of researchers, and our volunteers have been fantastic in helping us engage local people and share the importance of our work.” 

The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, with a packed programme of activities attracting visitors of all ages and prompting thoughtful questions and conversations throughout the day. 

To learn more about the work of Alzheimer’s Research UK, visit https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/ 

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