Structural inequalities in research funding and recognition

Rana Fetit

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Rana Fetit is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Regeneration and Repair (IRR), University of Edinburgh. She is interested in modelling human brain conditions using stem cells and 3D-organoid models. Currently, she is working on modelling human Oligodendrocyte heterogeneity using a combination of in-vivo and in-vitro models in the context of Multiple Sclerosis. As a Muslim Arab and a mother of two, Rana is a strong advocate for public engagement. She promotes science to young children and adults, especially young girls and women, using arts, workshops and public speaking. She is a member of the EDI panel at Edinburgh Neuroscience and is keen on recognizing and addressing systemic barriers and disparities to create more inclusive, welcoming and respectful environments.

Dr Christin Henein

Clinical Training Fellow / NIHR Clinical Lecturer, University College London

Dr Christin Henein
NIHR Clinical Lecturer & Clinical Training Fellow, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology

Dr Christin Henein is a clinician–scientist at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Her work focuses on ophthalmic surgery, innovation, and understanding disparities in surgical outcomes. Alongside her clinical training, she contributes to translational research and medical education, bridging scientific discovery with patient-centred care.

 

Nathaniel Jones

Research Assistant, University College London

Nathaniel Jones
Research Assistant & Visiting Researcher, University College London

Nathaniel Jones is a Research Assistant and Visiting Researcher at UCL, specialising in psychological sciences and cognitive neuroscience. He holds an MSc in Psychological Sciences from UCL and a BA (Hons) from Durham University. His work focuses on experimental design, behavioural data analysis, and improving methodological transparency in neuroscience and psychology research.

Dr Arish Mudra Rakshasa-Loots

Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Dr Arish Mudra Rakshasa-Loots
Research Fellow, Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh

Dr Mudra Rakshasa-Loots is a neuroscientist whose work lies at the intersection of mental health, physical health, and socioeconomic marginalisation.  He is currently a Research Fellow in the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, conducting translational neuroscience research with funding from the Wellcome Trust.

His academic journey includes a BA in Liberal Arts (with subjects spanning neuroscience, biochemistry, and classical studies) from Earlham College, and he currently holds a PhD in Translational Neuroscience.  Dr Mudra Rakshasa-Loots is committed to equity, inclusion, and integrating biological and social factors in understanding mental health.

 

Professor Narender Ramnani

Professor of Neuroscience, University of London

Professor Narender Ramnani
Professor of Neuroscience, Royal Holloway, University of London | President Elect, British Neuroscience Association

Professor Narender Ramnani is a neuroscientist at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he leads research on how frontal lobe and cerebellar systems support learning, cognition, and motor control. His work integrates neuroimaging, behavioural methods, and computational approaches to study brain mechanisms across the lifespan. He also serves as Vice Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the School of Life Sciences and the Environment and directs the Centre for Decision Science. Professor Ramnani is President Elect of the British Neuroscience Association and an advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion in science.