David Westaway

David Westaway, PhD, is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and serves as the Associate Director of Scientific Programs at the IND. His career spans key roles, including Director of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases at the University of Alberta (2006–2022) and faculty positions at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases (1994–2006).

Dr. Westaway earned his PhD in molecular genetics from Imperial College London. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly prion mechanisms and Alzheimer’s amyloid pathology. Notable contributions include co-developing the TgCRND8 mouse model of Abeta amyloid deposition and pioneering studies using Abeta antibodies to treat cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s models. His lab has also elucidated PrP conformers, tau pathologies in transgenic mice, and small molecule interventions for neurodegenerative diseases.

Currently, he integrates prion biology insights to design rodent models and profile therapeutic compounds via the IND drug discovery program. Collaborations with researchers like Peter St George-Hyslop, Paul E. Fraser, George A. Carlson, and Mikio Shoji highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

Research interests emphasize prion strains, transgenic models, and protein misfolding pathways.