Emma Meaburn

Emma Meaburn is a Reader in Human Genetics (equivalent to Associate Professor) at Birkbeck, University of London, where she co-directs the GEL lab and founded the BRIDGE bio-banking facility. She holds affiliations with the Centre for Educational Neuroscience.

Her research examines how genetic variation contributes to individual differences in cognition and behavior across development. Core methodologies include genome-wide association studies (GWAS), epigenetics, twin studies, and polygenic scoring applied to neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, ADHD), educational attainment, and infant developmental trajectories.

Notable contributions include identifying epigenetic biomarkers for autism risk, establishing pupillary light reflex as an autism endophenotype, and demonstrating domain-specific genetic influences on educational achievement. Her work consistently integrates molecular genetics with developmental psychology to understand pathways to neurodiversity.