After a remarkable career dedicated to advancing dementia research and practice, Professor Debbie Tolson is stepping down from her role as an Executive Committee Member of the Scottish Dementia Research Consortium. A founding member of the SDRC since its inception in 2013, Debbie has played a pivotal role in shaping not only the SDRC but the direction of dementia research in Scotland and beyond.
As the Director of the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), she led groundbreaking research and also championed the voices of those living with dementia. Debbie’s work has always been about bridging the gap between academic research and the real-world experiences of people living with dementia, their families and caregivers. Her advocacy for a person-centered approach extended beyond the academic world into Scottish dementia policy, where her insights helped shape national conversations about dementia care and support. Debbie’s ability to engage with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and academics alike made her a respected figure in the field, and her contributions have had a lasting impact on how dementia is understood and addressed in Scotland.
Within the SDRC, Debbie served as lead for the Living with Dementia theme. Debbie was also influential in shaping the direction of the SDRC more widely in emphasising the importance of listening to those living with dementia. She has been instrumental in ensuring that the perspectives of people with dementia are integrated into every stage of the research process, from planning to dissemination. Embedding lived experience into the research process has had a transformative impact on the way dementia research is conducted, making it more relevant and meaningful. Debbie’s leadership and vision has also helped to establish the SDRC as a hub for collaboration and innovation, bringing together researchers, practitioners, and those living with dementia to work towards a common goal.
On behalf of the entire SDRC community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Debbie Tolson for her unwavering commitment and tireless work over the past 11 years. Her contributions have been instrumental in shaping the direction of dementia research in Scotland, and will continue to influence the work of the SDRC in the years to come. We wish Debbie all the best in her retirement
Thank you, Professor Tolson, for everything you have done for the SDRC, for people living with dementia, and for the field of dementia research. You will always be a part of our work, and we are deeply grateful for the foundation you have built for the future of dementia research in Scotland. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your well-deserved retirement!