The DEMON Network: The first UK network for deep dementia phenotyping

Abstract

Abstract Background Collaborative interdisciplinary research will be key to advances in dementia prevention, identification and treatment. We established the DEMON Network to revolutionise dementia research by bringing innovators together to harness the power of data science and artificial intelligence with funding from Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Alan Turing Institute. Membership is free, and open to data scientists, dementia researchers, clinicians and industry partners. Benefits include a framework for national collaboration, research initiatives and networking events. Method The DEMON Network Steering Committee includes Profs David Llewellyn and Richard Everson (both University of Exeter and Alan Turing Institute), Dr Carol Routledge (Alzheimer’s Research UK) and Dr Sarah Bauermeister (University of Oxford). Membership is coordinated using an online marketing platform. Recruitment is ongoing and has included a press release, a National Institute of Health Research Dementia Researcher podcast, Twitter (@DEMONNetworkUK) and partner organisations such as Dementias Platform UK. A website was developed to feature Network opportunities and member profiles (www.demondementia.com). A Clinical Advisory Panel was established to provide clinical support, and recruitment to a Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Group is underway. Result Membership on 20 th January 2020 comprised 180 individuals including 19 Clinical Advisory Panellists. 87 members (48%) have expertise in data science, 120 (67%) in dementia research, 48 (27%) clinical, and 16 (9%) in industry. 141 members (78%) are interested in networking events, 136 (76%) in seminars and workshops, 117 (65%) in skills exchange, and 101 (56%) in training and career development opportunities. 17 Regional Leads were recruited through Alzheimer’s Research UK Network Centres to support regional activities, and 4 National Theme Leads (Data Science, Clinical and Early Career Development) were recruited to facilitate strategy development in priority areas. Initial activity includes three datathons run in collaboration with Medical Research Council Dementias Platform UK (MRC DPUK). Conclusion The DEMON Network has successfully launched and activities are underway reflecting member preferences. A National Strategy Workshop will be convened in 2020. Those interested can join the Network via the website.

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