Hilary Evans-Newton: Leading the Fight Against Dementia at Alzheimer’s Research UK
Hilary Evans-Newton is a prominent figure in the field of dementia research. As the Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, her leadership has propelled the organisation to the forefront of global efforts aimed at finding a cure for dementia. With over a decade of dedication to this cause, she has made significant contributions in raising awareness, securing funding, and fostering collaborations aimed at combating diseases that cause dementia. Through her work, she aims to transform the landscape of dementia research and improve the lives of those affected by these conditions.
Early Life and Career
Hilary Evans-Newton’s professional journey has been deeply rooted in the charity sector. She has always been driven by a passion for helping others, which led her to work for well-known organisations like Age UK and Age Concern. These experiences honed her skills in public policy, advocacy, and public relations, particularly around issues concerning ageing and public health. Her career as an advisor in government also provided her with invaluable insights into policy development and strategic communications, skills she later applied in her work at Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Before taking up her role at Alzheimer’s Research UK in 2013, Hilary worked for several years in public affairs, advising pharmaceutical companies on patient advocacy, market access, and policy strategies. Her extensive background in the healthcare sector, combined with her leadership skills, made her the ideal candidate to lead the UK’s largest charity focused on dementia research.
Joining Alzheimer’s Research UK
In 2013, Hilary Evans-Newton became the Director of External Affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK. She was tasked with increasing dementia research funding and improving the environment for dementia scientists. Her efforts quickly led to her promotion to Chief Executive in May 2015, where she has played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the organisation.
Under her leadership, Alzheimer’s Research UK has grown significantly. The charity has made groundbreaking strides in communicating the urgency of dementia research, engaging the public, and increasing awareness about the diseases that cause dementia. Furthermore, Evans-Newton has led the charge in establishing critical initiatives such as the Dementia Drug Discovery Institutes, the Global Clinical Trials Fund, and the Global Dementia Discovery Fund. These initiatives aim to accelerate the discovery of treatments for dementia and enhance global cooperation in dementia research.
Focus on Global Collaboration and Impact
Evans-Newton’s vision for Alzheimer’s Research UK extends beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. As Co-Chair of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals Programme, she has been a key player in the UK Government’s efforts to find treatments for dementia. The programme’s ambitious goal is to ensure that effective treatments for dementia are developed by 2025. Evans-Newton’s role in this programme is a testament to her commitment to working with international partners and governments to achieve global impact.
Through her leadership, Alzheimer’s Research UK has become a key player in the global dementia research community. The charity is not only focused on increasing funding for research but also on creating an environment where dementia scientists can thrive and innovate. Evans-Newton has been instrumental in forming strategic collaborations with other international research bodies, aiming to accelerate the development of new treatments for dementia.
Women in Science and Leadership
One of Evans-Newton’s driving passions is supporting women in science and leadership. As a mother of three, she understands the challenges faced by working parents, particularly women, in balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities. She advocates for policies that support parents, especially mothers, in the workplace, believing that more needs to be done to support women in leadership roles, particularly in science and healthcare.
Her advocacy for women in science goes beyond her words. At Alzheimer’s Research UK, she has implemented policies that not only support diversity and inclusion but also create a work environment that empowers women to take on leadership positions within the charity. Evans-Newton’s approach to leadership is one that values inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration—qualities she believes are essential for success in both scientific research and organizational growth.
Impact and Achievements
Under Hilary Evans-Newton’s leadership, Alzheimer’s Research UK has made significant progress in achieving its mission of raising awareness about dementia and increasing research funding. The charity’s innovative approaches to public engagement and advocacy have helped shift perceptions of dementia, transforming it from a condition that was once stigmatized into a global health priority.
Evans-Newton’s work has been recognised not only in the charity sector but also in the wider healthcare and research communities. She has successfully led campaigns to secure increased funding for dementia research, which has contributed to the development of new treatments and clinical trials. Additionally, the establishment of various dementia research funds, including the Global Dementia Discovery Fund, has been a key achievement under her leadership.
Personal Commitment to the Cause
For Hilary Evans-Newton, the fight against dementia is both personal and professional. She has spoken openly about how dementia has affected her family and her own life, which has further fueled her determination to find a cure for the disease. This personal connection to the cause makes her leadership not just a professional mission but a deeply emotional and personal endeavour.
Her unwavering commitment to dementia research and her tireless work to raise awareness have made her a leading figure in the fight against dementia. Through her leadership, she has inspired countless others to join the cause, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and members of the public.
Future Vision
As Hilary Evans-Newton continues to lead Alzheimer’s Research UK, she remains focused on the ultimate goal of finding a cure for dementia. With an ever-increasing global network of researchers, healthcare providers, and advocates, Evans-Newton is confident that the breakthroughs needed to defeat dementia are within reach. She envisions a future where dementia is no longer a debilitating condition but a treatable disease that can be managed, prevented, or even cured.
Her leadership will remain pivotal in achieving these goals, as she continues to advocate for greater collaboration, innovation, and funding in dementia research. Through her work, Evans-Newton is ensuring that dementia is not only recognised as a critical public health issue but also a challenge that can and will be overcome.
Conclusion
Hilary Evans-Newton’s remarkable leadership at Alzheimer’s Research UK and her tireless dedication to dementia research have made her a key figure in the global fight against dementia. Through her vision, passion, and commitment, she has helped transform Alzheimer’s Research UK into a leading charity in the field of dementia research, all while supporting the advancement of women in science and leadership. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and impact, Evans-Newton is helping to pave the way for a future where dementia is no longer feared but is a condition that can be treated, prevented, and ultimately cured.
Her story serves as an inspiration to those who believe in the power of science to change lives, and her work continues to have a profound impact on both the scientific community and the millions of people affected by dementia worldwide.
