Professor Tom Wishart's Inaugural Lecture

In this lecture, Tom will explain what “Molecular Anatomy” is. He will reflect on some of the key milestones in his career, how they have influenced his academic development, as well as the focus and future direction of his research. From training in cellular and molecular neuroscience, exposure to translation and commercialisation through to specific leadership roles – all of these experiences and activities have shaped his views and values, driving outputs towards improving our understanding of the factors that regulate stability of the nervous system in health and disease. Importantly, this has also informed our understanding of what is needed to transition our knowledge through to successful clinical application in the field of neurodegenerative disease.

Biography

Tom Wishart (MSc. MBA. PhD. FRSB. FAS) is a neuroscientist by training with expertise in synaptic vulnerability and molecular anatomical techniques. With more than 80 published manuscripts and over 4500 citations, he has currently has active drug repurposing research and international collaborative explorations in the area of therapeutic scale up. Tom (and his network of interdisciplinary collaborators) have showcased in multiple influential publications including examples of novel translational model development, characterisation, molecular fingerprinting, interventional scale up, biodistribution and assessment for academic and industrial entities. These workflows have the ability to influence the therapeutic landscape for a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions. The vast majority of which are currently incurable.

Before joining NTU in October 2024, Tom spent 22 years at The University of Edinburgh; first as a PhD student, then for two post docs (including a Wellcome Supported Visiting researcher placement at UMass), and for the last 5 years, in multiple positions of increasing responsibility including co-Head of Translational Biomarker Development with the Centre for Dementia Prevention, as Academic Lead for Proteomics and Metabolomics at the Roslin Institute, Chair of the Easter Bush Translation and Commercialisation board, and eventually Deputy Director of the World Renowned Roslin Institute. Birthplace of Dolly the Sheep.

Tom was (and still is) supported by several key senior colleagues throughout his development. Tom’s transition to NTU was in part to be able to provide the same kind of mentoring and guidance for other promising researchers on their path to independence and beyond. As individual researchers, we cannot stand alone and make a difference. Everyone has the potential to contribute something unique. Our colleagues from post graduate onwards represent an opportunity to shape our local environment. These people will become our collaborators and represent the future of our respective fields.

Tom Wishart is currently Professor of Molecular Anatomy. Head of Neuroscience in Centre for Systems Health and integrated Metabolic Research (SHIMR) and Interim Director of the John van Geest Research Centre (JVGRC).