Benjamin Ryskeldi-Falcon, Group Leader in the LMB’s Neurobiology Division, has been announced as the 2026 recipient of The Colworth Medal from the Biochemical Society.
The Biochemical Society has awarded The Colworth Medal annually since 1963. It is given to reward outstanding biochemical research conducted by an early-career researcher within ten years of receiving their PhD, who has spent most of their career in the UK or Ireland. The recipient is invited to present a lecture on their work at a Society event and submit an article to a Society publication.
Benjamin’s research group investigates the molecular mechanisms of pathological protein assembly in motor neuron diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and frontotemporal dementias, two related groups of neurodegenerative diseases. Genetic studies have established a causal role for the abnormal filamentous assembly of specific proteins in neurodegeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.
Using electron cryo-microscopy, Benjamin’s group determined the structures of pathological protein assemblies of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) isolated from human brain and revealed that they form distinct amyloid filament folds in different diseases. His group also discovered previously unknown pathological assemblies, including amyloid filaments of TATA-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) and heteromeric filaments of TDP-43 and annexin A11. This work has transformed the understanding of the molecular basis of motor neuron diseases and frontotemporal dementias.
Recently, his group has studied pathological protein assembly in its cellular and tissue context using electron cryo-tomography. They showed that tau filaments are tethered within brain extracellular vesicles in Alzheimer’s disease. This has revealed unexpected molecular environments and interactions that may have roles in assembly and neurodegeneration.
Benjamin commented, “I am honoured to have been chosen for this prestigious award and to receive recognition for the contributions we have made to understanding the molecular basis of motor neuron diseases and dementias. I share the honour with the many outstanding colleagues that I have had the privilege to work with, including team members, mentors and collaborators. It is my hope that this award will highlight our work to a broader audience of biochemists, fostering new ideas and collaborations to help understand the biological underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Anne Bertolotti, Joint Head of the Neurobiology Division, commented, “Benjamin’s group has provided the molecular and structural definition of a major group of neurodegenerative diseases, changing our understanding of these important diseases. I am delighted that this work has been recognised in this way.”
Benjamin received a BSc degree from University College London and began working on neurodegenerative diseases during his PhD with Michel Goedert at the LMB, before launching his independent research group in 2019. He has previously been recognised with the Vallee Scholar Award in 2024, the SCOR Young European Researcher Prize in 2023 and the Alzheimer Research Award from the Breuer Foundation in 2022. Benjamin is also a member of the EMBO Young Investigator Programme.
Further references
Benjamin’s group page
Biochemical Society – The Colworth Medal