Jeremy Spencer

Jeremy Spencer is a Professor at the University of Reading, leading research on dietary phytochemicals' impact on brain and vascular health. His work focuses on flavonoids and polyphenols' mechanisms in neuroprotection, cognition, and cardiovascular function. He heads a team of 14 PhD students and 6 researchers, specializing in cellular signaling pathways (e.g., ERK, PI3K/Akt) and clinical trials investigating food bioactives.

Education:

• PhD in Medical Biochemistry/Pharmacology, King’s College London (1997)
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, University of Warwick (1993)

Research Interests:

• Mechanisms of flavonoid action in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s)
• Neurocognitive performance via vascular and neurogenesis pathways
• Phenolic compound absorption/metabolism in humans
• Anti-inflammatory effects of dietary polyphenols

His work challenges traditional antioxidant paradigms, showing non-antioxidant mechanisms mediate physiological benefits.

Awards:

• Senior Research Award (ICPH, 2009)
• Nutrition Society Silver Medal (2009)
• Outstanding Research Award (ICPH, 2007)

Recent articles emphasize nitrate/phenolic effects on endothelial function and cognitive inflammation.

Grants/Advisory Roles:

• Editorial Board member for journals like Free Radical Research
• External Examiner for Surrey University Nutrition programs
• Member of the Nutrition Society Council and ILSI Europe’s Nutrition & Mental Health Task Force

Labs include the Nutrition Research Group, focusing on cell studies, clinical trials, and analytical chemistry of food bioactives.