Alison Douglas Lecturer announced for Neuroendo Celebrate 2026 ECR Meeting

Alison Douglas Lecturer announced for Neuroendo Celebrate 2026 ECR Meeting

We're delighted to announce the Alison Douglas Lecturer for the 2026 Early Career Researcher Meeting, Neuroendo Celebrate 2026, in September is Professor Carlos Diéguez Gonzalez, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS) at the University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.

Professor Carlos Diéguez Gonzalez's research career has centered on the hypothalamic regulation of anterior pituitary hormone secretion and energy balance. This work has been instrumental in uncovering:

1. The mechanisms by which metabolic signals, such as leptin and ghrelin, modulate pituitary hormone secretion.
2. The reciprocal influence of pituitary hormonal axes on energy homeostasis.
3. The complex hypothalamic pathways that integrate and  coordinate  these physiological processes.

Professor Carlos Diéguez Gonzalez will speak at our 2026 Early Career Researcher Meeting as the Alison Douglas Lecturer, voted by BSN early career researchers. Here's what to expect from his talk:

The regulation of most homeostatic processes is closely associated with the hypothalamus and depends on adequate energy availability. Investigating the roles of different cell types—including neurons and glial cells—together with the heterogeneity of their many subtypes and the involvement of cellular energy sensors, has significantly improved our understanding of how the hypothalamus regulates whole-body homeostasis.

About Alison Douglas

The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) Alison Douglas Lecture recognises excellence in the field and individuals who have made significant contributions to supporting early stage researchers (ESRs). Alison’s PhD and postdoctoral research (in Belfast and subsequently Edinburgh) on uterine physiology lead her to a distinguished career and international authority on the neuroendocrine adaptations in pregnancy that lead to successful delivery. Alison published prolifically and held research grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Medical Research Coucil (MRC) and Wellcome Trust and was awarded a personal chair in Reproductive Neuroendocrinology in 2011. Alison was also elected Chair of the British Society for Neuroendocrinology in 2011.

A frequent speaker at international meetings, Alison built an extensive network of international collaborations and warm friendships. In addition to leading the School of Edinburgh’s Athena SWAN silver award, Alison established the School’s postdoctoral forum, reflecting her commitment to fairness, women in science and ESRs. Described as the best of colleagues, unfailingly cheerful and positive, by Professor Gareth Leng, we remember Alison fondly and honour her commitment to ESRs with this lecture.