Melanie Ehrler

Melanie Ehrler is a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), based in the School of Academic Psychiatry's Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Science. She holds a PhD in Clinical Science from the University of Zurich and completed postdoctoral research at the University Children's Hospital Zurich. Her work focuses on neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes in children with complex medical conditions such as congenital heart disease, liver disease, and preterm birth, using MRI to study brain alterations.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Science (2018–2022), University of Zurich & University Children's Hospital Zurich
• Studies in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel

Research Focus: She investigates risk and protective factors for neurodevelopmental difficulties in vulnerable pediatric populations. Her work combines clinical neuroscience with translational approaches to improve psychosocial outcomes.

Awards:

• FANS Award (University of Zurich)
• Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoc Mobility Fellowship

Current Projects: Contributing to the Brain Maturation in Liver Disease (BMLD) study under Prof. Grainne McAlonan and Dr. Marianne Samyn, exploring neurodevelopmental impacts of complex liver conditions.