Scottish Brain Sciences Opens New Alzheimer’s Clinical Research Centre at ONE BioHub
Aberdeen expansion widens access to early-stage trials and strengthens Scotland’s position in global brain health innovation.
Scottish Brain Sciences (SBS) has opened a major new Alzheimer’s clinical research centre at ONE BioHub in Aberdeen, expanding access to cutting-edge clinical trials for communities across the north-east of Scotland and accelerating national efforts to detect and treat neurodegenerative conditions earlier.
The state-of-the-art site, officially opened on 14 November, becomes SBS’s third research facility, joining its St Andrews hub and Edinburgh headquarters. The Aberdeen centre will support advanced clinical studies in early diagnosis, intervention and precision medicine, bringing world-class research closer to patients who have historically faced long waits and long journeys to participate in trials.
By locating within ONE BioHub, a flagship launchpad for high-potential life sciences companies, SBS becomes part of a growing cluster of research-driven organisations, including NovaBiotics and Genomes.io. The move links neurological research directly with clinical, commercial, and translational pathways, reinforcing Scotland’s ambition to position itself as a global leader in brain health innovation.
For Professor Craig Ritchie, CEO and Founder of Scottish Brain Sciences, the expansion is as much about equity of access as scientific ambition.
“The people of the north-east deserve early access to breakthroughs in brain health and dementia research,” he said. “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.”
That participant was Lynne Carroll, an Aberdeen-based volunteer who spoke candidly about the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis and the importance of local opportunities to engage in research.
“It took several years to receive my Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and that is the reality for so many people,” Carroll said. “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… When [SBS] 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.”
The opening was also attended by Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business and Employment, who highlighted the significance of the investment for Scotland’s innovation economy and public health landscape.
As ONE BioHub’s first tenant, Scottish Brain Sciences’ continued expansion underscores the momentum of Aberdeen’s emerging life sciences cluster. Dr Deborah O’Neil OBE FRSE, Chair of 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.”
With Alzheimer’s disease affecting millions worldwide and early-intervention strategies gaining urgency, the new centre positions Scotland at the forefront of developing more precise, earlier, and more accessible approaches to treatment. For patients in the north-east, it represents something more immediate: a chance to contribute directly to discoveries that could change the trajectory of dementia care for generations.
Author
BioFocus Newsroom