MND Association strengthens research leadership team with new roles

THE Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association has bolstered its research leadership team to keep pace with the growing opportunities in the MND research space and a drive to fund treatment-focused, personalised and patient-centred research. 

Dr Mike Rogers MBE has been appointed as the Director of Research and Innovation, with Dr Brian Dickie MBE becoming the Association’s first Chief Scientist.

Mike joins the Association after eight years at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In his roles at NIHR, Mike was responsible for the development of a new global applied health funding programme, NIHR RIGHT. He was also the lead for their joint funding activities with the Medical Research Council during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The role will see Mike lead on research strategy and activity, ensuring the Association invests in the best science, people and initiatives to deliver impact for people with MND. Working in collaboration with Association colleagues, research institutions, the NHS and leading industry partners will also be key aspects of the role.

After more than 25 years at the charity, Dr Brian Dickie’s move into the Chief Scientist role will see his extensive knowledge, experience and international connections fed into the Association’s research strategy, with Brian advising on scientific initiatives and partnerships and informing policy positions.

Brian will continue to lead on developing the programme for the MND Association’s International Symposium on ALS/MND which enters its 36^th year in 2025 and is the largest medical and scientific conference on the disease, attracting delegates from across the world to share the latest advances in research and treatment.

Tanya Curry, Chief Executive of the MND Association said:

“It is vital we stay at the cutting edge of scientific research by maintaining strong networks, having sight of emerging research opportunities and access to the best intelligence, advice and opportunities for the MND community, through investing in more equitable access to high-quality, clinical research and trials. Last year we invested a further £9 million into MND research and there are now more than 250 researchers involved in our grants working hard to crack this brutal disease.

“Strengthening our research leadership is therefore crucial to ensure are in the best shape to invest wisely in the most promising MND research and collaborate with our networks to accelerate progress into effective treatments for people with MND. I’m delighted we have Mike and Brian’s extensive knowledge and expertise to guide us through that process.”