Mitochondria perform several critical functions including cellular energy production and initiation of cellular apoptosis. Resistance to mitochondrial cell death is one of the main features of cancer cells and mitochondrial dysfunction, including changes in the structural integrity of mitochondria, disruption of energy metabolism and abnormal calcium (Ca2+) buffering, has been implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Kambiz Alavian is a Lecturer in the Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London. He currently investigates mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell death and their implications in neurological disorders and cancer.