James Rowe, Professor of Cognitive Neurology at the University of Cambridge, is an internationally influential clinician scientist. His innovative contributions span theoretically significant discoveries in cognitive neuroscience through to clinical translation leading to a step change in our understanding of the mechanisms of human disease. This has improved diagnosis and treatment strategies, notably in dementia. His cross-disciplinary and translational approach, including forward-and- reverse translation, has driven significant advances in both basic and clinical neuroscience.
His elucidation of disease mechanisms in dementia and parkinsonian disorders includes detailing neurochemical and molecular pathological mechanisms of human disease. This work maps the full cascade of causality, from genetic and molecular aetiologies all the way through to phenotypic expression and survival. In doing so, he has provided an essential evidence base for stratification and treatment in clinical trials of dementia and parkinsonism.