Graduate becomes first World Dementia Envoy

Dr Gillings (BSc Mathematics 1966, PhD Mathematics 1972, Hon DSc 2011) is the founder and Executive Chairman of global pharmaceutical company Quintiles, which is the largest provider of biopharmaceutical development and commercial outsourcing services in the world. The company has helped to develop or commercialise all of the top 50 best selling drugs currently on the market.

The creation of a World Dementia Envoy followed an agreement at the G8 summit of world leaders in December 2013. Dr Gillings’ role will be to create a World Dementia Council of leading experts, seeking an innovative international response to the devastating disease.

 “The need to develop new ways for managing dementia has never been greater,” said Dr Gillings. “I hope that my understanding of the underlying science, together with my intimate knowledge of the healthcare development process will help us make a real difference.”

The Secretary of State for Health, The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP said:  “Dennis has an outstanding background of more than 30 years of experience as a scientist and in business.  He understands the importance of innovation and investment to develop new medicines and treatments and we are delighted to announce that he will lead the World Dementia Council.”

Dr Gillings’ appointment was welcomed by the Alzheimer’s Society.

'We are delighted that Dr Dennis Gillings CBE will champion dementia globally. The creation of a World Dementia Council will enhance and stimulate innovation,” said Jeremy Hughes, its Chief Executive.

Around 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia and one in three people over the age of 65 will develop it, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Biomedical Neuroscience Research Group within the University of Exeter Medical School works on neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific focus on dementias. Using electophysiological approaches, the team is investigating the impact of dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease on signalling within the brain, and the inherent changes within the brain as a result of these diseases.

In 2012 The Gillings Family Foundation donated £1 million to the University of Exeter Medical School. The Foundation is a member of the prestigious College of Benefactors, which acknowledges the importance of philanthropy and recognises the University’s most generous donors.