Laia Montoliu
Assistant Professor

With a diverse background in dementia research—ranging from developing anti-amyloid immunotherapies during my doctoral studies to investigating synaptic connectivity during my first postdoctoral tenure—my work has encompassed multiple facets of neurodegenerative disease. A key milestone in my career has been the development of a Mass Spectrometry-based method for detecting crucial tau proteins in blood for AD diagnosis, a breakthrough that has gained global recognition. This method not only identifies novel protein variants previously undocumented in blood but also has the potential to transform clinical management, particularly in the era of emerging disease-modifying therapies. Additionally, my research on AD diagnosis in individuals with Down syndrome, alongside the co-development and patenting of an immunoassay for p-tau205 quantification, reflects my commitment to advancing diagnostic strategies in neurodegenerative disorders. My leadership in translating blood-based diagnostics into accessible methods—such as DBS collection, for which I hold a patent—underscores my dedication to ensuring widespread access, including in remote and underserved populations. My leadership in the field is also demonstrated by securing substantial independent funding from different national and international bodies, being a mentor for two PhD students and a postdoc, and receiving recognition through awards, including the prestigious Queen Silvia Prize for Young Alzheimer’s Researcher.

Participació
13th May, 2026
Next Challenges in Blood Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease