Dementia Researcher Blogs15 Aug 2025

Dr Jodi Watt - The Myth of the Neutral Scientist

Dr Jodi Watt, narrating a new blog they wrote for the Dementia Researcher website.

In this blog, Jodi examines the long-held belief that good science requires neutrality, questioning whether true objectivity is possible. Drawing on her work in dementia research, she reflects on how researchers inevitably bring their identities, experiences, and values into their work. Rather than seeing this as a threat to credibility, she argues for embracing reflexivity — recognising our positionality to ask better questions, address hidden biases, and strengthen research. For Jodi, humanity is not a weakness in science, but an essential part of doing it well.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-myth-of-the-neutral-scientist/

Dr Jodi Watt is a Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Glasgow. Jodi's academic interests are in both healthy ageing and neurodegenerative diseases of older age, and they are currently working on drug repurposing for dementia. Previously they worked on understanding structural, metabolic and physiological brain changes with age, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As a queer and neurodiverse person, Jodi is also incredibly interested in improving diversity and inclusion practices both within and outside of the academic context.

Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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