In diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, brain cells are lost due to the clumping of proteins. Brain cells need to last a lifetime, which means they must be highly resilient in coping with such severe disruptions of balance. The research of Professor Wiep Scheper, who specializes in Proteostatic Stress and Neurodegeneration, focuses on the clever strategies that brain cells have developed to protect themselves against the damage caused by protein aggregates. By gaining a better understanding of these resilience pathways, we can use the lessons learned from brain cells to restore balance in patients.
"Research requires a new generation of scientists who are given the freedom to conduct truly original and innovative work. To find these top researchers, it is essential to have an open perspective on diversity, starting with improving gender balance. To find a solution for neurodegenerative diseases, there must be a well-balanced collaboration between fundamental and clinical researchers—working together toward a cure!" said Scheper in her inaugural lecture.