New Aberdeen brain health centre opens at ONE BioHub | ONE

The centre will enable people concerned about their memory, as well as those living with Alzheimer’s disease, to participate in world-leading studies focused on the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Scottish Brain Sciences, headquartered in Edinburgh, is a leading clinical research organisation dedicated to transforming the early detection and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The Aberdeen centre becomes its third research site, expanding participation opportunities and strengthening Scotland’s position as an international hub for brain health innovation.

In a gesture that reflects SBS’s commitment to putting people at the heart of discovery, the centre was officially opened at 10am on Friday 14 November by an Aberdeen-based research participant, Lynne Caroll, whose involvement in studies is helping to accelerate scientific progress.

The opening was also attended by Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business and Employment, who welcomed the investment as an important boost for public health and the region’s growing life sciences sector.

The event marked a particularly meaningful moment for Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, who was born and raised in Aberdeen and is now establishing a major new research presence in his home city.

Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder, Scottish Brain Sciences, said:

“Returning to Aberdeen to open this centre is hugely meaningful for me – this city shaped my life and career, and it has immense talent, innovation and community spirit.”

“The people of the North-East deserve early access to breakthroughs in brain health and dementia research. This new site will help ensure that people here can take part in trials, receive advanced assessments, and contribute to discoveries that could change the future of Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Inviting one of our research participants to officially open this centre reflects our belief that progress begins and ends with the people who volunteer to take part. They are the beating heart of discovery.”

Lynne Carroll, who lives in Ellon, joined Scottish Brain Sciences’ IONA longitudinal cohort study with a view to taking part in trials when they become available. Reflecting on her experience, she said:

“It took several years to receive my Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and that is the reality for so many people. By being part of research that aims to detect and treat Alzheimer’s earlier, I hope I can help make the path a little clearer for others in the future.

“I reached out to Scottish Brain Sciences some time ago as I was eager to contribute. When they shared plans to open a research site in Aberdeen, I was thrilled, as it means I will be able to take part in trials that may require regular visits. It is a privilege to be involved in today’s opening, and I would encourage anyone locally affected by Alzheimer’s to connect with the team.”

Dr Deborah O’Neil OBE FRSE, Chair, ONE Life Sciences and BioAberdeen Ltd, said:

“We are delighted that Scottish Brain Science is expanding at ONE BioHub. Their focus on advancing understanding and treatment of neurological conditions adds important strengths to our growing life sciences cluster. The north east has a vibrant community of life science innovators and it is wonderful to see our first tenant growing and scaling within ONE BioHub.”

Scottish Enterprise contributed an additional £500,000 to ONE BioHub towards fit-out of the second floor of ONE BioHub that SBS now occupies and that followed an earlier £2 million contribution in 2022 towards the construction of the Aberdeen City Region Deal project.

Jane Martin Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise said: “It’s brilliant news that Scottish Brain Sciences has a new research facility in Aberdeen in addition to its sites in Edinburgh and St Andrews, as it carries out transformative work around diseases like Alzheimer’s.

“I’m proud Scottish Enterprise has, in a small way, helped shape the company’s journey through our high growth programme, to international trade and through our partnership with ONE BioHub that forms part of Scotland’s vibrant life sciences sector.

“Scottish Enterprise is fostering innovation in high-growth industries and is committed to supporting ambitious scale ups like SBS as well as ensuring the right infrastructure is available to provide holistic solutions for the growth of our economy.”