Rate My Professor Jeff Davies

Davies' research examines how alterations in metabolic status affect brain function, delineating the mechanisms by which circulating hormones regulated by feeding protect against nerve cell loss in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. A central interest is understanding how these hormones modulate neural stem cell plasticity in the adult brain to promote hippocampal neurogenesis and enhance memory function, with expertise in areas such as adult hippocampal neurogenesis, ghrelin signalling, neuroendocrinology, and regenerative medicine in neurodegeneration. He has authored more than 30 scientific manuscripts and book chapters, including 'Acyl-ghrelin enhances new neurone formation in the adult brain and improves memory function' (Kent et al., 2015) and 'Calorie restriction, which increases levels of circulating acyl-ghrelin, enhances hippocampal neurogenesis and memory in a ghrelin-receptor dependent manner' (Hornsby et al., 2016). Davies has secured major grants, such as £122,545 from the Medical Research Council (2010), £15,000 from the Royal Society (2011), and £315,898 from the Weston Brain Institute (2020). In 2024, he was awarded a Fulbright All Disciplines Scholar Award to investigate endocrine, immune, and nervous system interactions at the Salk Institute from February to May 2025.