Dr Mootaz Salman, Group Leader in Cellular Neuroscience at DPAG, has been awarded the Biochemical Society Inspiration and Resilience Award in recognition of his scientific achievements and personal journey in research.
Dr Salman leads a multidisciplinary research programme at the interface of neurovascular biology, neurodegeneration, disease modelling, and translational neuroscience. Based at the University of Oxford and affiliated with the BHF/UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) Centre for Vascular Dementia Research (CVDR), the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, and the BHF Centre for Research Excellence, his work focuses on understanding how cellular and biochemical processes at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) contribute to neurological disease.
His research has defined key mechanisms governing water transport in the human brain, establishing aquaporin-4 (AQP4) trafficking as a regulator of BBB function and cerebral oedema. By uncovering how AQP4 relocalisation controls membrane water permeability, his work has identified a pharmacologically tractable pathway linking cellular organisation to brain injury and neurodegeneration. Using patient-derived stem cells, CRISPR genome engineering, organ-on-a-chip technologies, and brain organoids, his group develops advanced human models to study neurovascular dysfunction and support therapeutic discovery.
Commenting on the award, Dr Salman said, ‘I am deeply honoured to receive this award. For me, resilience is about turning challenges into momentum for better science and for the people around us. This recognition reflects not only my journey, but also the exceptional support of the DPAG community, the Kavli Institute, the BHF Centre for Research Excellence, and the BHF/UK Dementia Research Institute. It strengthens my commitment to pursuing ambitious research while building an environment where others can thrive.’
The Biochemical Society Inspiration and Resilience Award recognises scientists who have demonstrated exceptional perseverance alongside impactful contributions to their field. You can read more about the recipients here: biochemistry.org/grants-and-awards/awards/awards-listing/