Senior Research Associate, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
Email: b.malik@ucl.ac.uk b.malik@gmx.co.uk
Nationality: British | Sex: Male
ORCID: 0000-0002-3527-0102
Google Scholar: Profile
LinkedIn: bilal-malik-a4286438
Programme Snapshot
I develop AI-driven generative biology frameworks that learn regulatory architectures from transcriptomic states and simulate how cellular systems can be reprogrammed toward resilient phenotypes. My work bridges experimental neuroscience with systems biology and machine learning to move from biological observation toward programmable design.
Research Programme Summary
I am a translational neuroscientist specialising in motor neuron and neuromuscular diseases including Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) and ALS4. My research spans neuroscience, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics, integrating multi-omic and AI-based methods to reveal mechanisms of neurodegeneration and regeneration. I currently lead the SBMA & ALS4 Research Group at UCL, supervising PhD, MSc and BSc students and developing new therapeutic strategies to slow or reverse neuromuscular decline.
Research Impact
My research integrates cross-species transcriptomics, network modelling and digital-twin simulation to identify regulatory principles underlying neuromuscular and motor neuron disease. Through platform development (MyoNeuroTwin) and translational collaboration, I aim to accelerate target discovery and intervention design while building toward a broader vision of programmable biology.
Employment History
Current Post (2016 – Present)
Senior Research Associate / Group Lead, SBMA and ALS4 Research Group
Department of Neuromuscular Diseases / Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology (IoN)
Research interests: neurodegeneration, motor neuron disease, neuromuscular disorders.
Lead mechanistic and therapeutic studies in SBMA and ALS4 models and human samples.
Previous Appointments
| Years | Position | Department/Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 – 2016 | Research Associate | Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, UCL IoN |
| 2006 – 2012 | Post-doctoral Research Fellow | Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience, UCL IoN |
| — | Research Worker | MRC Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London |
| 1998 – 2000 | Research Worker | Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow |
Education
| Years | Qualification | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 – 2004 | PhD Neuroscience | MRC Centre for Neurodegeneration Research, King's College London |
| 2000 – 2001 | MSc Neuroscience | Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London |
| 1995 – 1996 | MSc Bioengineering | University of Strathclyde, Glasgow |
| 1989 – 1993 | BSc Biomedical Science | University of St Andrews, Scotland |
| 1980 – 1989 | Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade (1989): Biology (A), English (A), Physics (A), Chemistry (B), Maths (B) | Belmont House School, Glasgow |
Research Support and Funding
| Years | Funder | Role | Title | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020–2022 | Kennedy's Disease Association USA | PI | Investigating disease pathways and novel therapeutic targets in SBMA | $50,000 |
| 2017–2020 | Motor Neuron Disease Association UK | Co-PI | Targeting disease pathways in novel models of MND | £245,000 |
| 2017–2019 | Kennedy's Disease Association USA | PI | Targeting pathways of disease in SBMA | $50,000 |
| 2016–2019 | AFM France | Co-PI | Targeting molecular pathways of disease in SBMA | €100,000 |
| 2012–2015 | MNDA UK | Co-PI | Regulation of gene expression in MND | £245,000 |
| 2009–Present | Kennedy's Disease Research Donation | Co-PI | Investigating the pathogenesis of Kennedy's Disease | £187,764 |
| 2011 | Bogue Research Fellowship | PI | Collaboration with Dr La Spada, UC San Diego | — |
| 2001–2004 | Medical Research Council UK | PhD Studentship | Regulation of Gene Expression in Alzheimer's Disease | — |
Extended list of publications, invited lectures and academic outputs associated with the MyoNeuroTwin research programme.
Selected Publications
- Devine H. et al. Conserved Aberrant Developmental Trajectories… 2025
- Bennett CL. et al. Senataxin mutations… Acta Neuropathol 2018
- Montague K. et al. ER stress in SBMA… Brain 2014
- Malik B. et al. Gene expression analysis… Sci Rep 2019
Invited Talks
- ENMC Workshop — Towards a unifying effort to fight Kennedy's disease
- Kennedy's Disease Association Conference
- International SBMA Research Conference
- UCL Queen Square Neuromuscular Research Day