UCL researchers last week ran a highly successful course supported by the BRC aiming to develop the next generation of researchers in biomarkers in neurodegeneration.
The Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases course – hosted at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology – ran from 12th to 16th May. The course was fully booked and sold out within 2 hours of initial promotion.
The course, which was free to attend, offered 65 early career researchers from around the world the chance to develop their knowledge in biomarkers in neurodegeneration, foster new research collaborations, and network with peers in the field.
An understanding of biomarkers – measurable indicators of disease or biological processes – is increasing required for effective research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease.
The course – held each year and now in its seventh edition – was run by the University of Gothenburg (UGOT), UCL, and BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center, all leading international centres with complementary expertise in biomarkers.
It was led by course directors Dr Ross Paterson (UCL), Dr Aitana Sogorb Esteve (UCL) and Prof Michael Schöll, (UGOT/UCL), and featured sessions from leading experts in neurodegenerative diseases from UCL and beyond.
The course provided basic and practical knowledge of bodily fluid and neuroimaging-based biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, with a strong focus on Alzheimer's disease.
Prof Jeffrey Cummings, a guest speaker on the course, described it as "the best biomarker course in the world."
Topics included:
- basic concepts in image-based, fluid based and digital biomarker research
- best practice in planning and conducting research involving biomarkers
- the latest tools and techniques used to evaluate biomarker data
- and how to interpret different biomarker profiles in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr Paterson said: “We were delighted to host this year’s edition of the course at UCL. I’d like to thank all attendees for their enthusiastic engagement, and to our exceptional faculty. It is rare to have world-class lectures in such an informal and inclusive environment. We are grateful to our other sponsors Gates Ventures, Roche and Olink for their support."
The course is expected to run again in May 2026. Full details will be announced on www.biomarker-course.org.
Photo: course leads Dr Ross Paterson (UCL), Dr Aitana Sogorb Esteve (UCL) and Prof Michael Schöll (UGOT/UCL)
