Kathy Rastle

Professor Kathy Rastle holds the position of Professor of Cognitive Psychology at the Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway, University of London. She has served as Head of the Psychology Department (2015–2019) and Deputy Vice Principal for Research. Her research focuses on uncovering the mental representations and computations underlying language, literacy, and learning, with a strong emphasis on translating findings into educational policies. Her work has been funded by major grants from BBSRC, ESRC, and others, and has garnered international recognition through awards such as the 2020 ESRC Impact Prize.

Professor Rastle has led significant initiatives, including the ESRC South East Doctoral Training Arc (SEDarc) consortium and a major review shaping the ESRC's PhD training programs. She has held editorial roles for Journal of Memory and Language and contributed to policy reviews for global organizations like the World Bank. Her research impacts UN Sustainable Development Goals related to quality education and reducing inequalities.

Recent projects include investigations into morphological processing, literacy policies, and the role of subtitles in children’s learning. Her work is cited in curricula across schools and educational publishers worldwide, reflecting its practical application in improving reading instruction.