Management Team

Cathy started her career in genetics, doing a PhD at Harwell and Reading. She then did a postdoc at UCL and became a lecturer there before moving to Edinburgh where she has continued her research understanding the molecular basis of impaired neurological function. Her research focus now is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, and alongside her research she has been heavily involved in EDI, animal welfare and PGR issues. She was deputy chair of the UoA4 sub-panel for REF2021 and is joint academic lead for the university’s UoA4 submission to REF2029. She has been an active member Edinburgh Neuroscience for many years, initially as a board member, and now as co-director with Malcolm MacLeod.

Malcolm is Professor of Neurology and Translational Neurosciences, with a clinical practice in Neurology at NHS Forth Valley. His PhD was at the Fujisawa Institute of Neurosciences in Edinburgh with John Sharkey and Steve Butcher, before a post doc position with Jonathan Seckl. In 2005 he co-founded the Collaborative Approach to Meta-Analysis and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES), and since then he has been at the forefront of the application of evidence synthesis tools to pre-clinical research. This has included using systematic approaches to selecting drugs for multi-arm multi-stage trials in neurodegenerative diseases; Living Systematic Reviews of animal data in mental health; evidence synthesis as a tool for research improvement; and the development and evaluation of automation approaches for pdf retrieval, de-duplication, risk of bias annotation and citation screening. He was the University's lead for Research Improvement and Research Integrity from 2020 to 2024, and committed to cultivating a research culture where every researcher can realise their maximum potential. He was an author on the Lancet Series on Research Waste and is a keen runner. 

Marja carried out her PhD research in the Lyons lab at the University of Edinburgh, developing a zebrafish model of myelin breakdown and repair. After this, she joined Edinburgh Research Office where she supported CMVM researchers throughout the process of preparing grant applications. She later moved to CMVM Research Office as a Research Impact Officer, where she worked with researchers to identify, develop, evidence and finalise the College’s portfolio of impact case studies for REF2021. Following this, she was Senior Research Strategy Manager at the Usher Institute. 

As Scientific Strategy Coordinator for Edinburgh Neuroscience, Marja manages a diverse portfolio of initiatives to support and grow the activities of the EN community and to shape and deliver EN's strategic policy. This includes serving as Programme Coordinator for our Wellcome-funded PhD programme in Translational Neuroscience and Administrative Lead for Unit of Assessment 4 for REF2029. 

Deborah did her MA in English Literature at the University of St Andrews. She began her career in higher education at University College, Oxford, managing undergraduate teaching organisation. For a number of years, she managed various postgraduate taught programmes at King's College London. She joined the University of Edinburgh in 2012 and has mainly focused on research support, covering pre- and post- award grant management, research organisation and REF. 

At Edinburgh Neuroscience, Deborah focuses on managing our communications, keeping track of our members and their achievements, as well as supporting our preparations for REF2029.