Rate My Professor Jeff Davies

Professor Jeffrey Davies is Associate Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at Swansea University Medical School in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. He obtained his BSc (Hons) in Physiology and PhD in 2003 from Cardiff University, completing his doctorate in the neuroendocrine laboratory of Dr Tim Wells within the Mammalian Genetics group. With more than 20 years of experience in neuroscience and neuroendocrinology research, Davies serves as Principal Investigator of the Molecular Neurobiology laboratory at the Institute for Life Sciences. He leads the Biomarkers and Genes research theme within the School of Medicine and teaches physiology and neuroscience modules across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a focus on research-led teaching about adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Additionally, he supports the dissemination of Welsh language learning and teaching provision in the Medical School.

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.