Michael Ashford

Professor Michael Ashford is a Professor in the Department of Diabetes Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology at the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular links between obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. He investigates how hormonal interactions (leptin/insulin) and metabolic pathways contribute to chronic diseases, with projects addressing BACE1 enzyme roles, Nrf2 transcription factor effects, cellular stress impacts, and glucose sensing mechanisms in neurons and beta cells.

His work aims to uncover preventive strategies for obesity-related health crises, which affect over 25% of UK adults and are rising sharply in children. He emphasizes the societal burden of obesity-driven cardiovascular, liver, and neurological disorders. Professor Ashford collaborates on systems biology approaches to combat metabolic dysfunction and its long-term consequences.

He is available for media commentary through the University’s Corporate Communications team, highlighting his expertise in obesity, metabolic diseases, and Alzheimer’s disease research.