Suzanne Murphy

Dr. Suzanne Murphy is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Health Research (IHR) within the University of Bedfordshire's Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. Her research focuses on developmental psychology, particularly children’s social development, mental health outcomes, and interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and language impairments. She leads projects evaluating computerized interventions (e.g., E-PLAYS, Point OutWords) and therapies for children with social communication challenges, anxiety, and stammering.

Education: BSc Biological Sciences (Leicester), BSc Psychology (Open University), PhD Psychology (Open University).

Research Interests: Developmental disorders (ASD, ADHD, OCD), mental/physical health outcomes of social communication development, and interventions for neurodivergent children. Active in NIHR-funded studies and serves on the Research Design Services (East of England) management board.

Grants & Projects: Over £14 million in NIHR funding for projects like E-PLAYS-2 (enhancing pragmatic language skills), Palin STSC stammering therapy evaluation, and autism intervention trials. Collaborates with NHS Trusts and academic partners.

Professional Roles: Leads professional development initiatives for the NIHR Research Design Services, reviews for journals like Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, and participates in trial steering committees for early intervention studies.

Labs/Teams: Core member of the IHR’s Pregnancy Loss Research Network and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across health, education, and technology sectors.