Community Spotlight - our first members
Even during the foundation of the association, we were able to welcome our first members with support from the board. These early memberships highlight a shared dedication to fostering collaboration and networking among dementia experts. They also reflect how deeply our mission resonates, inspiring a growing community of researchers and professionals united in their commitment to advancing dementia research and care.
Prof. Dr. Simon Sprecher
University of Fribourg
Simon has been a member of the Swiss Network for Dementia Research Community since the summer of 2024.At the University of Fribourg, he leads the Sprecher Lab, which explores fundamental questions in neuroscience. His research focuses on understanding how genetic and genomic predispositions impact the cellular and molecular programs underlying dementia. By combining personalized whole-genome sequencing with artificial intelligence approaches, Simon’s team aims to understand where in the genome certain variants act to promote early and progressive forms of dementia. These findings are tested in simple animal models such us a Drosophila model for early cognitive defects developed by his team.
With a profound knowledge of genetics and genomics along with a longstanding interest in understanding neurons in the brain, Simon's work is at the cutting edge of neuroscience. Recently, his passion for cooking and enjoying good meals has led him to explore how our eating habits and (delicious) food can help us keep our brain healthy.
In his free time, Simon enjoys spending time with family and friends, preferably in nature. Both activities are as important to keep his brain “fresh" as diving into science.
Prof. Dr. Andreas Papassotiropoulos
University of Basel
Andreas also joined the association in summer 2024, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and passion for psychiatric genetics. At his institution, his research centers on uncovering the molecular foundations of human memory and leveraging these insights to drive drug discovery aimed at enhancing cognitive function.
Originally aspiring to become a surgeon during his medical studies, Andreas experienced a profound shift late in his training when a single lecture in psychiatry captivated him — it was love at first sight. From that moment, psychiatry became the sole focus of his professional journey.
Deeply inspired by the work of Eric Kandel, Andreas integrates biology and genetics into psychiatry, pushing the field beyond subjective observations to achieve measurable, mechanistic insights into brain function. His combined expertise in psychiatry and genetics positions him at the forefront of understanding how biological processes shape memory and cognition.
Outside the realm of science, Andreas is a devoted family man who treasures quality time with his wife and children. A gifted classical guitar player, he once considered a professional career in music during his high school years. In addition to his musical talents, Andreas is a passionate tennis enthusiast and an ardent supporter of Stefanos Tsitsipas. For him, the balance of science, family, music and sports creates a harmonious and inspiring life.
Dr. Aurélien Lathuilière
Neurodegenerative Disease Researcher
In summer 2024, Aurélien became a member of the Swiss Network for Dementia Research. His work focuses on unraveling the molecular mechanisms driving the spread of tau pathology in the brain and uncovering the normal functions of extracellular tau. By addressing these fundamental questions, he aims to develop groundbreaking strategies to combat dementia and related disorders. Current projects include the development of advanced tools to detect pathological tau conformers with seeding competence in human samples and exploring the mechanisms behind tau uptake and secretion.
Describing his "secret superpower" as thinking outside the neuron, he blends scientific rigor with creative problem-solving to translate complex research into practical, life-changing solutions for dementia care.
Aurélien credits his scientific vision to two exceptional mentors. Patrick Aebischer inspired his commitment to translational research and impactful applications, while Brad Hyman exemplified open-minded, collaborative leadership that fosters innovation in neuroscience.
Outside the lab, Aurélien values time with his family. Whether engaging in competitive board game sessions or embarking on outdoor adventures with his children, he often combines these activities with his passion for wildlife photography — a creative outlet that balances his scientific endeavors with exploration and creativity.
