معرفی
William Wisden is Chair and Professor of Molecular Neuroscience at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He also holds affiliate positions at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London (2019-present) and serves as a Group Leader at the UK Dementia Research Institute (2018-present), with an upcoming role as Centre Director starting in 2025.
Professor Wisden's research focuses on the neuronal circuitry of sleep, investigating the mechanisms underlying sleep drive and whether sedative drugs activate the same neuronal pathways as natural sleep. His laboratory, shared with Prof. Nick Franks, aims to understand: 1) The circuitries that sense sleep homeostasis and maintain sleep; 2) Whether sedatives promote restorative sleep pathways; and 3) Whether sleep promotes the clearance of metabolites.
His work spans Molecular Neuroscience, Sleep Medicine, and Pharmacology, with significant implications for developing improved sedatives that might provide the restorative benefits of natural sleep while minimizing side effects.
- Fellow of the Royal Society (2024)
- Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2014)
- Research Fellowship at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge (1993-1996)
- EMBO long-term postdoctoral fellowship (1990-1992)
Professor Wisden has served on numerous prestigious committees including the Welcome Trust Neuroscience & Mental Health Committee (2009-2011), MRC Neurosciences & Mental Health Board (2012-2016), and as Co-Director of the Centre for Neurotechnology at Imperial College London (2014-2019). His research is supported by funding from the Wellcome Trust Investigator Award and UK Dementia Research Institute.
