Matt Parker

My research is focused on understanding the biology of neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. I am a member of the Surrey Sleep Research Centre. I have published more than 90 research articles, reviews and chapters.

My group primarily use zebrafish as a model species to study interactions between molecular (genetic/epigenetic) and environmental (e.g., alcohol, stress) factors, and the associated neural circuits, that underlie several neuropsychiatric (eg addiction), neurodevelopmental (eg ADHD), and neurodegenerative (eg Alzheimer's Disease) disorders, with a particular interest on decision making and impulse control. We translate our finding to humans, and have an active clinical research programme (with Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust). Our approach is theoretically guided by the principles of precision medicine, i.e., that understanding the biology of conditions will help develop individualised treatments for patients. We employ a broad range of research methodologies, spanning psychopharmacology, neuroscience, genetics, psychology (and animal behaviour) and public health.

My team currently receives funding from NC3RS; ESRC [via South Coast DTP]; Dstl; Petroleum Technology Development Fund (Nigeria).