Supporting early-career scientists leading bold new approaches in dementia research.

We are delighted to announce two CLEAR-funded researchers through Health Research BC’s 2025 partnered Trainee Awards. Thanks to the generosity of Acuitas Therapeutics, CLEAR was able to fund an additional trainee in this year’s program.

Health Research BC’s Trainee Program supports health researchers in the early stages of their careers, enabling professional development and enriching BC’s health research talent. Congratulations to both trainee recipients on receiving these competitive awards.

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Our 2025 Research Trainee Award Recipients

Dr. Stefano Sorrentino

Research institution: The University of British Columbia

Project title: Alzheimer brain through 3D bioprinting patient-derived stem cells

Profile: Dr. Stefano Sorrentino is a postdoctoral research fellow at UBC, with a PhD in Neuroscience from The Milano-Bicocca University in Italy. Focusing on uncovering the molecular basis of neurodegenerative disorders, his current work combines patient-derived inducible pluripotent stem cells with advanced 3D bioprinting technology to create highly realistic brain models.

Lay Abstract: Traditional lab models often fail to replicate the complexity of the human brain, creating barriers to treatment discovery. By developing these innovative 3D neuronal platforms, Dr. Sorrentino's research will provide more accurate insights into the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly the role of amyloid beta proteins. Importantly, his approach reduces the need for animal testing and incorporates patient and caregiver perspectives to ensure the research remains focused on real-world impact.

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Dr. Printha Wijesinghe (co-funded by Acuitas Therapeutics)

Research institution: The University of British Columbia

Project title: Unraveling Apolipoprotein E’s role in Alzheimer’s disease: Insights into miRNA & glial regulation and amyloid pathology

Profile: Dr. Printha Wijesinghe holds dual PhDs from Maastricht University (Netherlands) and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (Sri Lanka). She has been at the forefront of pioneering brain health research, including helping establish Sri Lanka’s first human brain bank. Now a postdoctoral fellow at UBC, her work centres on Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on ApoE, a protein that plays a key role in lipid metabolism and brain health.

Lay Abstract: Dr. Wijesinghe’s research will explore how different ApoE variants, including APOE4 (a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s), influence brain changes, inflammation, and amyloid buildup. Using both translational mouse models and human samples, she is investigating eye- and tear-based biomarkers as potential non-invasive tools for early Alzheimer’s detection. This research could pave the way for simple, risk-free tests that identify Alzheimer’s disease before symptoms appear and inspire new therapies targeting ApoE pathways.

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Acknowledging Acuitas Therapeutics

CLEAR extends a special acknowledgment to Acuitas Therapeutics for their investment in critical research funding. Their support will further advance emerging scientific discovery in dementia research.

Acuitas Therapeutics is a Vancouver-based biotechnology company that specializes in the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems for nucleic acid therapeutics. Their cutting-edge technology has played a pivotal role in vaccines, gene editing, and therapies for rare diseases. By supporting dementia research in British Columbia, Acuitas is extending its mission of using science and innovation to improve lives and strengthen communities.

To learn more about Acuitas Therapeutics, please visit: https://acuitastx.com/.