Led by Dr. Maheen Siddiqui
At MitoLab, we explore one of the most fundamental questions in early brain development: how does the brain use energy to grow, specialise, and support behaviour? From infancy onwards, the brain undergoes rapid change, and we investigate how metabolic processes shape both typical and neurodivergent developmental pathways. Our research sits at the intersection of neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical imaging, with a strong focus on understanding how early differences in brain energy use relate to social and sensory development, including pathways linked to autism.
Our work spans three streams: brain energy and development, where we examine how brain metabolism supports early cognitive, social, and sensory development and contributes to individual differences; multimodal neuroimaging, where we combine techniques such as broadband NIRS (bNIRS), EEG, and MRS to link neural activity with underlying metabolic processes; and methods innovation and inclusion, where we develop and refine neuroimaging approaches to improve data quality and accessibility, while actively promoting inclusive science through engagement with diverse communities and increased representation in research participation via the Diversity in Developmental Science Network, founded by Dr Maheen Siddiqui.
Research Team:
- Dr Maheen Siddiqui – Wellcome Trust Research Fellow
- Ms Francesca Penza – Research Assistant and PhD Student
Our research is funded by:
- The Wellcome Trust (Early Career Award)
- The Economic and Social Research Council (Postdoctoral Fellowship)
- Wellcome-Birkbeck Institutional Strategic Support Fund
- Wellcome-Birkbeck Institutional Funding for Research Culture
Honours and awards:
- Margaret Donaldson Award, British Psychological Society
- Britton Chance Award, International Society for Oxygen Transport to Tissue
- Duane Bruley Award, International Society for Oxygen Transport to Tissue
- Research Excellence Award, Society for Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy