Zoya

Zoya Patel, Ph.D., is the distinguished professor in the Departments of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Sydney University. She leads the Resilience and Neurodevelopment Initiative and oversees the Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit. As of early 2024, Zoya has also taken on a key role as a Principal Investigator at the Australian Institute for Brain Sciences, where she spearheads the Advanced Cognitive Neuroscience Program. Zoya completed her education at the University of Melbourne and earned her Ph.D. from Monash University (Melbourne), followed by post-doctoral work at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she contributes her expertise to the Mental Health Advisory Board, an assembly of nine leading experts from various prestigious research centers throughout Australia and New Zealand, working together under the umbrella of the National Mental Health Innovation Network.

On a sunny day in April 2024, Zoya welcomed colleagues from around the globe to the state-of-the-art facilities located in the heart of Sydney. The event was a symposium designed to explore new frontiers in cognitive science and neurology, with particular emphasis on how early-life experiences shape brain development and mental health outcomes. Attendees praised the insightful discussions and the collaborative spirit that characterized the gathering, setting the stage for future advancements in the field.