Dr Jeff Davies of Swansea University Medical School has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright All Disciplines Scholar Award, which will enable him to conduct research at the world-renowned neuroscience faculty in the Salk Institute in San Diego, California.
Dr Davies was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants to investigate the complex connections between the endocrine, immune, and nervous systems, focusing on aging and disease. His work aims to deepen our understanding of how these systems interact, particularly in the context of the neurodegenerative conditions, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
The US-UK Fulbright Commission provides the only bilateral, transatlantic scholarship programme in the UK, offering Awards for study or research in any field, at any accredited US or UK university. The Commission selects scholars through a rigorous application and interview process, looking for academic excellence alongside a focused application, cultural curiosity, a range of extracurricular and community activities, demonstrated ambassadorial skills, a desire to further the Fulbright mission and a plan to give back to the UK upon returning.
Dr Davies has been an associate professor at Swansea University Medical School since 2013, during which time he has identified new roles for old hormones, in projects linking factors in the blood with brain function that is impaired in Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
The Fulbright Award, which will see Dr Davies based at the Salk Institute from February until May will give Dr Davies the opportunity to integrate learning from the laboratory and community settings to encourage better dialogue between scientists, people diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders, study participants, policymakers, and the general public.
On receiving the Fulbright Award, Dr Davies said: “I am delighted to receive this Fulbright Scholarship that will allow a step-change in how we study Parkinson’s and associated diseases in the laboratory. The laboratory of Professor Fred Gage at the Salk Institute, a world leader in deepening our understanding of the brain, has developed new experimental approaches to study cells that are present in the aged human nervous system.
“I am excited about learning these techniques to study how distinct cell types interact in the context of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. As a Fulbright Scholar, I look forward to forging new collaborations at the Salk and beyond, to make meaningful biomedical discoveries that will impact how we diagnose and treat diseases where, currently, there are very few options to help those affected.”
Maria Balinska, Executive Director, US-UK Fulbright Commission, said: “Our vision is a world where there are no obstacles to learning, understanding and collaboration. Today there are many global challenges to overcome, and the world needs compassionate leaders to tackle them. This cohort of awardees will be placing cultural engagement at the heart of their experiences as they undertake ambitious study and research programmes in the US: I am filled with hope for the wonderful collaborations that will ensue.”