Flavia H Santos

Dr. Flavia H. Santos is an Assistant Professor and UCD Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin School of Psychology, leading the UCD Music and Math Cognition Lab. Her research focuses on numerical cognition development, math anxiety, and interventions using music and digital games (e.g., the Arithmós Project funded by the Irish Research Council). She holds grants including the ENIGMA Project (Erasmus+), and is a Research Fellow at the Geary Institute for Public Policy. Her work bridges neuroscience, education, and policy, addressing SDGs 3, 4, 5, and 10. She advocates for inclusive education and has authored/co-edited books on neuropsychology and disability care. Current roles include Director of the UCD MSc Disability program and Chair of the Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society (2023-2026).

Education:

• PhD in Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo (2002)
• Postdoctoral Fellowships at University of Minho (2013–2018) and University of Durham (2001–2002)
• Certifications: Specialist in Paediatric Psychology (Federal University of São Paulo), Research Supervisor Program (UCD)

Research Interests: Neurodevelopmental disorders, numerical cognition, math anxiety, music-cognition interactions, and translational interventions. Recent studies include neuropsychological assessments in disadvantaged contexts and cognitive biomarkers for early dementia.

Grants & Awards:

• UCD Ad Astra Fellowship (2019–2024)
• Irish Research Council (Arithmós Project)
• Erasmus+ (ENIGMA Project)

Labs/Initiatives:

• UCD Music and Math Cognition Lab
• Member of UNESCO Inclusion Policy Lab
• Co-director of the MSc Disability program