Maria Elena Stefanou

Maria Elena Stefanou is a Lecturer in Neuroscience and Psychology (Education) at the Department of Neuroimaging, School of Neuroscience, King's College London. Her research bridges cognitive neuroscience and neurodevelopmental disorders through advanced methodologies like EEG and virtual reality.

• Research Centre for Attention Studies member
• Digital Futures Institute Fellow (2025-26)

Her work primarily investigates multisensory integration (MSI) mechanisms, with a focus on how attention modulates MSI in both typical and atypical neurodevelopment. She employs EEG/ERPs to analyze neural correlates and has pioneered VR applications for studying MSI in ecologically valid contexts. Key research themes include autism spectrum disorders, emotional processing (particularly fear and disgust), and comorbidity analysis with ADHD.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding MSI deficits in autism and their neural compensatory mechanisms. She teaches at the BSc level in Neuroscience and Psychology programs.

• Scientific Recognition
  • Digital Futures Institute Fellowship (2025-26)

Stefanou collaborates internationally on neurodevelopmental research, with publications in top-tier journals like Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Neuroscience. Current projects explore the intersection of emotional processing, MSI, and digital age distractions through interdisciplinary frameworks.