Bart De Strooper

Bart De Strooper is a full Professor in Dementia Research at the University College London and a part-time Professor of Molecular Medicine at the KU Leuven and VIB, Belgium. He served as founding Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute (2016-2023) and co-founded the Leuven Institute for Neuroscience & Disease (LIND).

• Education:
  • MD (1985), KU Leuven
  • PhD (1991), KU Leuven
  • Postdoctoral, EMBL Heidelberg (1994-1995)

His research focuses on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, including roles of ADAM10, presenilin/gamma-secretase, and microRNA. He proposed the cellular phase theory to explain Alzheimer's prodromal phase. Current work examines pathogenic roles of brain cell types (neurons, astrocytes, microglia) and translational neuroscience partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.

Recent publications address amyloid hypothesis updates, spatial transcriptomics in Alzheimer's, and microglia/astrocyte dynamics. Awards include the Brain Prize (2018), Potamkin Award (2002), and EMBO membership (2004).

• Scientific Leadership:
  • Founded UK DRI (2016-2023)
  • Co-founder LIND (2010-)
  • Former VIB Center Director (2007-2017)
• Academic Service:
  • Editorial Board: EMBO Molecular Medicine, eLife, Neuron
  • Scientific Advisory Roles: DZNE Germany, DIAN TU, Wellcome Trust