Niamh Kennedy

Dr. Niamh Kennedy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at Ulster University, within the Faculty of Life & Health Sciences. She is a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation following stroke and brain injury. Her work integrates experimental neuroscience, non-invasive brain stimulation, and mixed methods to improve long-term recovery outcomes for stroke survivors.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast (2006–2011)
• MA in Higher Education Practice, University of East Anglia (2015)
• BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast (2005)

Research Interests:

Dr. Kennedy’s research focuses on leveraging neuroplasticity through non-invasive brain stimulation to enhance motor, sensory, and cognitive recovery post-stroke. She explores the interaction between psychosocial and cognitive factors in long-term stroke recovery, and has contributed to the development of telerehabilitation tools and virtual therapy platforms for upper limb rehabilitation.

Scientific Awards:

• Acquired Brain Injury International Fellow (2016)
• Honorary Lectureship (2017)

Research Funding & Projects:

Dr. Kennedy has secured funding from major bodies including the Wolfson Foundation, British Academy/Newton Fund, Stroke Association, MS Society, and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). She currently leads or co-leads multiple active projects, including studies on atrial fibrillation and stroke risk, pain in cerebral palsy, and cognitive outcomes in young stroke survivors.

Labs & Teams:

She is the joint lead of the Cognitive Neuroscience Lab at Ulster University and collaborates with the Acquired Brain Injury Alliance. She also maintains an honorary lectureship at the University of East Anglia and serves on the board of The Stroke Association.