We are delighted to introduce Dr Alejandro Labastida-Ramirez and Dr Hannah Jackson, the first recipients of our new research fellowships.
In 2024, we launched our new post-doctoral fellowship scheme, inviting applications from candidates working in our three priority areas – brain tumours, brain and spinal cord injury, and headache and facial pain.
The aim of the fellowships is to build capacity in these research areas by supporting individuals at a crucial stage of career development where they often encounter funding uncertainty.
Following conclusion of a rigorous review process, we were delighted to award fellowships to two outstanding candidates – Dr Alejandro Labastida-Ramirez and Dr Hannah Jackson.
Alejandro has been studying migraine since 2013, after completing medical school. He is now working with experts in brain imaging and neuroscience to bring new technologies and fresh thinking to the study of migraine.
His research is focused on a type of migraine called migraine with aura. One in three people with migraine has this type of migraine, in which headaches are preceded by sensory disturbances called auras. These can include flashes of light, blind spots and other vision changes, or tingling in the hands or face.
Migraine with aura is particularly debilitating but has no specific treatments.
Focusing on a hormone called amylin, which is involved in pain and sensory signals, Alejandro will use cutting-edge technology to visualise the effect of a new treatment that blocks the effects of amylin in the brain.
This approach will give new insights into the mechanisms underlying migraine with aura, opening the door to new, targeted treatments.
“Throughout the years I have developed a unique set of skills due to my clinical background and my 10-year preclinical research experience on migraine pathophysiology and translational treatments. I am committed to finding novel and effective antimigraine treatments, with a bench-to-bedside approach.”
Read more about Alejandro’s research
Hannah’s research focuses on paediatric ependymoma, a childhood brain tumour with devastating impact. It is challenging to diagnose and treat, with current methods putting young patients at risk of lasting brain damage, and half of patients experiencing recurrence.
Following treatment, young patients have regular MRI scans to check for signs of recurrence. But cancer cells can remain at levels too low to be detected via MRI, meaning that many patients experience recurrence despite their scans appearing clear.
Hannah is focused on tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are naturally released from almost all types of cells in the body and can be found in blood and other bodily fluids. Because they carry information from the cells from which they originate, EVs could help identify hidden tumour cells without the need for invasive tests.
Hannah wants to establish whether EVs released by ependymoma cells can be used to detect and monitor the tumour. As a further step, she will also explore the potential of EVs in the development of a type of cancer vaccine to target and destroy tumour cells.
‘This opportunity is not just about progressing my research; it is about making a real-world impact by developing tools that could lead to earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatments and, ultimately, better survival rates and quality of life for children with brain tumours.’
Read more about Hannah's research
This research is made possible by the incredible generosity of our supporters.
We are making real progress but each year we have to turn down applications from many promising researchers because we don’t have the funds to support them all. With more funds, we could do so much more.
There are many ways in which you can support our work – from taking part in a challenge event, to making a donation, nominating us for support from your company, or remembering us in your will.
Whatever you do, your support will help us to invest in more research to help people affected by brain conditions to live better, longer.
