Reader in Human Genetics
Contact Details
Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development
Room 516b, Malet St
Birkbeck, University of London
London WC1E 7HX
Email: e.meaburn@bbk.ac.uk
Research Interests
Emma Meaburn is a Reader in Human Genetics at Birkbeck, University of London. After completing her PhD in Behaviour Genetics at King’s College London, she joined Birkbeck and the Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development (CBCD) in 2010. Her research investigates how genetic variation shapes individual differences in behaviour, and the social and biological processes that mediate these influences (for example, see here).
Recognising the broader societal implications of this work, Dr. Meaburn also joined Birkbeck’s Centre for Educational Neuroscience, where she works with colleagues to better understand the real-world challenges facing education and how genomic insights might help.
Her research is built on the belief that genomic research, particularly in relation to education, must be conducted responsibly and communicated effectively. This principle led to a secondment with the Nuffield Foundation and Nuffield Council on Bioethics, where she provided expert insight on how genomic research might impact educational practice and policy, as well as the ethical issues that arise (see here).
In short, Dr. Meaburn’s research combines a focus on empirical discovery with a forward-looking perspective on how new insights might be applied responsibly for the benefit of students, schools, and society.
Doctoral Students and Post Docs
Present
Ms Nisa Rainy (2022- ongoing)
Ms Hattie Ruffer (2024- ongoing)
Ms Mahitab Elgamal (2024 – ongoing)
Past
Dr Rebecca Harrison, Post Doc (2018-2020)
Dr Georgina Donati (2015-2018)
Dr Anna Gui (2015-2018)
Dr Ayden Saffari (2013-2016)
Dr Kate Hughes (2013- 2016)
Funding
Dr Meaburn has received research funding from the following research bodies and charities: the Bloomsbury Colleges consortium, the British Academy, the Royal Society, Birkbeck’s Faculty of Science, Birkbeck Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support fund (ISSF), and the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative.