Research Director, Alzheimer’s Research UK

Carol Routledge is a dynamic R&D professional and drug development expert with over 30 years of experience within UK and US based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and the non-profit sector with a focus on drug acquisition and profiling of NCEs and biologics.  A combination of preclinical and clinical CNS experience gives the advantage of being able to apply a strong scientific rationale and innovative experimental approaches to clinical development for obtaining early proof of mechanism/concept. Her clinical experience spans both psychiatric and neurological indications, with a strong focus on understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases that underpin dementia.  Roles in GSK Biopharmaceuticals include leading drug discovery and development activities across several therapeutic areas including neuroscience and immuno-inflammatory diseases and with an emphasis on translational medicine. Carol also has experience managing a semi-philanthropic dementia fund with a key focus on identifying and developing novel disease-modifying mechanisms for the treatment of diseases that cause dementia, sourcing opportunities from academic research groups and small companies.  The fund invests in therapeutic and enabling opportunities from target validation to early clinical development. Finally, current expertise includes leading the research strategy, both preclinical and clinical, across Alzheimer’s Research UK for response-mode funding, strategic funding and global projects.