Wioleta Zelek, Ph.D.

Dr. Wioleta Zelek is a Senior Research Fellow and UK Dementia Research Institute Emerging Leader at Cardiff University, where she leads translational neuroimmunology programs focused on developing new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. She is internationally recognized for her work on how overactivation of the complement system—a key part of the immune system—can damage brain cells and accelerate disease progression. Dr. Zelek’s lab brings together immunology, neuroscience, and advanced protein engineering to design innovative therapies that can reach the brain and switch off harmful inflammation. With support from the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, her team is developing small, highly targeted biologics capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and blocking complement overactivation directly at sites of greatest damage. This approach aims to protect vulnerable neurons from complement-driven injury, restore healthy immune balance in the brain, and support cognitive function. Dr. Zelek is a dedicated translational scientist who is committed to turning scientific discoveries into effective therapies for Alzheimer’s disease.