Dr Cara Croft receives Suffrage Science Award for Life Sciences

Dr Cara Croft receives an award

Dr Croft was nominated by Professor Selina Wray of University College London, in line with the unique Suffrage ethos in which previous award holders nominate another woman to receive the heirloom award. This approach creates a growing network of inspiring and supportive women across science, technology engineering and mathematics.  

In her nomination, Professor Wray described Dr Croft as “an emerging leader whose cutting-edge research in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease is shaping the future of neurodegeneration research. She exemplifies the leadership, integrity, and inclusivity our field urgently needs, while proudly championing women in neuroscience.” 

Professor Wray also highlighted Dr Croft’s dedication as a mentor and “providing outstanding support to early-career researchers.”  

Speaking on receiving the award, Dr Croft said: "I am delighted to receive this Suffrage Science award in Life Sciences as recognition for my research contributions and mentoring of others. This would not have been possible without members of my own research team and my own mentors. I am excited to join this network of other women in science who have received this award during its history and continue to be a role model for young scientists." 

Dr Croft is a Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Research Leaders Fellow at Queen Mary University of London. Her research aims to uncover how genes drive the buildup of toxic proteins that damage brain cells, one of the biggest challenges in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Using advanced scientific technologies, she aims to accelerate the development of effective treatments and is doing so alongside leading scientists around the world, making her a key part of the global effort to defeat these conditions. 

The heirloom Suffrage Science Award for Life Sciences is passed on by previous recipients after two years to a new nominee, continuing a tradition of peer recognition. The model celebrates individual achievement while strengthening a sense of community and shared responsibility among women in science. 

Dr Croft’s nomination highlights the strength of neuroscience research at Queen Mary and the University’s commitment to supporting women in science and fostering inclusive research. 

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