Dario Alessi obtained a BSc (1988) and PhD (1991) from the University of Birmingham (UK). He carried out postdoctoral studies at the University of Dundee (1991-1997), where he became fascinated by how all aspects of cell biology and human diseases are influenced by a class of enzyme called "kinases." In 1997, Dr. Alessi became a program leader at the Dundee MRC Unit and was appointed as its director in 2012. His current research focuses on understanding the roles of the LRRK2 pathway in Parkinson's disease (PD) and how knowledge of this pathway can be exploited to develop new ways to diagnose and slow the progression of this disease. Dr. Alessi is passionate about mentorship, open science, sharing and working with industry and clinicians, as well as fostering a collaborative culture. He is motivated to bring talented scientists into the PD research field and improve awareness of issues relating to equality, diversity, inclusion, gender and mental health.