Meet our Research and publications team

Emma joined Dementia UK in January 2026 as Head of Research and Publications. She brings over 20 years’ experience across academia, industry, and the public and third sectors.

A specialist in human-centred design and collaborative research, Emma’s work focuses on generating rich, meaningful insights that help strengthen services for people living with dementia and those who care for them. She takes a compassionate, human-centred approach, ensuring that lived experience is at the heart of research, policy and practice.

Emma’s expertise includes dementia-friendly environments, outdoor learning, green health, and carer education. She has led major research programmes that have shaped policy, strategy and service design, and is a strong advocate for co-creation, inclusive approaches and human-centred innovation.

Madeleine joined Dementia UK as a Research Fellow in February 2024. Having completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2018, her research focused on the potential of retinal biomarkers for dementia in individuals with Down’s syndrome. Since then, she has transitioned into research policy, working to advocate for changes and improvements that support research for people with dementia and their families.

Phil joined Dementia UK as a Research Fellow in April 2024. He is also a researcher at the University of Sheffield in the Centre for Assistive Technology and Connected Healthcare (CATCH). Phil has worked with people living with dementia since 2008, working as a care assistant and later as an Assistant Psychologist in the older adult services of a mental health hospital, before transitioning into research in 2014. His PhD research focused on the digital accessibility of everyday technologies for people with dementia.

Ryan joined Dementia UK as a Research Assistant in February 2025. He is currently completing his PhD at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, where his research focuses on the relationship between musical engagement and cognitive function across the lifespan.

Lesley joined Dementia UK as the Administrator for the Research Team in June 2024.

A former Managing Director of a computer retail business, Lesley also has a career in administration spanning over 20 years.

She has worked within the judiciary, NHS, and the construction industry, holding senior PA roles. However, her early career within the NHS and care system was spent in direct patient care.