Leigh Wilson

Dr Leigh Wilson is a Teaching Professor and Public Engagement Lead at King's College London's School of Neuroscience, based within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). She leads the Dev Neuro Academy, a widening participation outreach program for 16–18-year-olds, and supports public engagement initiatives for the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Her work bridges neuroscience research, education, and public engagement, focusing on interdisciplinary STEM approaches, inclusive research culture, and collaborative open science practices.

Education background: Trained in developmental neurobiology with a focus on avian embryology and retinoic acid signaling pathways. Her research extends to science communication, education innovation, and fostering equity in neuroscience through outreach and participatory research.

Research Interests:

• Public engagement in neuroscience
• Interdisciplinary STEM education
• Neurodevelopmental disorders research culture
• Inclusive research methodologies
• Science communication strategies
• Open science advocacy

Key Projects: The Dev Neuro Academy provides neurodiverse youth with university pathways; the Sunnydown Synaptic project co-created neuroart with autistic students. Her Knowing Through Making initiative explores hands-on pedagogies in STEM.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Good Science Project (Imperial College London), artists Mel Frances and Les Bicknell, and networks like NW Noggin. Active in King’s Engaged Research Network and the Institute of Psychiatry’s Research Culture Insights.