Marta Francesconi

Dr Marta Francesconi is an Associate Professor at University College London's IOE - Department of Psychology and Human Development. She joined IOE in 2017 as a Research Associate, progressing to Lecturer (2021-2024) before her current role. Her work focuses on identifying biomarkers predictive of mental health issues in children and adolescents, particularly examining the role of inflammation, adverse life events, and the built environment. She teaches modules on the Psychology with Education BSc and contributes to the Child Development MSc and Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology DEdPsy programs.

Dr Francesconi holds a PhD in Clinical-Experimental Neuroscience from Sapienza University of Rome, with postdoctoral training at UC San Diego. Her research integrates clinical psychology, immunology, and environmental science, addressing societal challenges like climate change and urban design impacts. Key themes include stress-inflammation pathways, decision-making in eating disorders, and urban environments' cognitive effects. She has published in high-impact journals such as Brain, Behavior, and Immunity and Psychological Medicine.

Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science and clinical practice, aiming to improve early interventions for mental health. She emphasizes London's multicultural environment as a critical asset for her work, fostering collaborations across disciplines and institutions.