Nathasia Muwanigwa: Alzheimer’s Research UK Fellow & Founder, Mindful Conversations

Meet Dr Nathasia Muwanigwa, an Alzheimer's Research UK Fellow at the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, whose research focuses on understanding the biology behind neurodegenerative diseases, particularly the interactions between tau and RNA in Alzheimer's disease. In this episode of Meet the Medicine Makers, we explore Nathasia's journey through neuroscience, from studying and working across different countries to developing her own research ideas and securing an independent research fellowship. We discuss the challenges of researching complex diseases like Alzheimer's, why understanding the underlying biology is so important for developing new treatments, and what Nathasia learned from applying for fellowships and dealing with rejection along the way. Beyond the science, we explore Nathasia's passion for public engagement, advocacy and improving representation in research. Through initiatives such as Visibility STEM Africa and Mindful Conversations: Black Communities Talk Dementia & Brain Health, she is working to amplify underrepresented voices and create opportunities for meaningful engagement between researchers and the communities they serve. We also reflect on the importance of listening to lived experiences, building trust, navigating imposter syndrome and why sometimes the best advice is simply to "just do it". An insightful conversation about dementia research, scientific careers, representation and the importance of ensuring that research benefits the communities it aims to serve. ------ Find out more about Nathasia Nathasia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathasia-muwan... Mindful Conversations (MC) website: https://www.mindfulconversations.org.uk  MC Focus Group report: https://doi.org/10.5522/04/32008182 MC Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulconvos_uk MC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindful-c...