Prof. Baljit Khakh, a leading authority on astrocytes and brain function
Prof. Baljit Khakh, a leading authority on astrocytes and brain function, has been appointed Director of the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) at Cardiff University. The Cardiff centre, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and UK dementia charities, focuses on neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Motor Neuron Disease.
Currently Professor of Physiology and Neurobiology at UCLA, Khakh has made pioneering advances in understanding how neurons and astrocytes interact in healthy and diseased brains. His work has earned numerous accolades, including election as Fellow of the Royal Society.
“I am honoured to lead Cardiff’s UK DRI and advance new therapeutic approaches, while fostering a research environment where science and scientists can thrive,” Khakh said.
Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor Prof Wendy Larner described his appointment as “a coup for Cardiff University and UK science.” At the same time, MRC Executive Chair Prof Patrick Chinnery highlighted Khakh’s ability to translate fundamental neuroscience into treatments.
Khakh, who earned his undergraduate degree at Cardiff University and a PhD at Cambridge, is expected to officially take up the post in summer 2026, marking a significant step for UK dementia research.
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