Eleonora Broggi

My decision to pursue a PhD programme was shaped by a longstanding interest in neuroscience and a desire to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying mental health conditions.  

During my academic training at Maastricht University in The Netherlands, I became increasingly aware of the limitations of one-size-fits-all approaches in psychiatry. This motivated me to explore the emerging field of precision psychiatry and its focus on tailoring interventions to individual variability in biology, environment, and lifestyle.  This interest naturally led me towards translational research, where scientific discoveries can directly improve patient care.  

My academic path has been shaped by a consistent drive to connect neuroscience with real-world clinical impact. I began studying biomedical sciences to build a strong foundation in human biology, then specialised in cognitive and clinical neuroscience, where I became particularly interested in how discoveries move from the lab into treatments.  

A key turning point was my internship at Novartis Pharma, where I worked in the biomarker department on neurodegenerative disorders. Seeing how biomarkers are used to guide decisions, stratify patients, and de-risk clinical trials shifted my perspective from purely theoretical questions to research that can make a tangible difference for patients. 

Moving from Italy to study and work across the Netherlands, Switzerland, and now the UK has also shaped me personally and professionally. Training in different research and healthcare environments has made me adaptable, collaborative, and comfortable working across disciplines and cultures. These experiences naturally led me to pursue a PhD focused on biomarkers and precision approaches in neuroscience.  

My current work in autism research has further reinforced this motivation. It has highlighted both the complexity of neurodevelopmental conditions and the urgent need for more personalised, evidence-based treatment options. Seeing how research can meaningfully impact clinical practice strengthened my commitment to pursuing a PhD.  

The NIHR  Biomedical Research Centre: Maudsley particularly appealed to me because of its close integration between research and mental health services through South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the academic strength of King’s College London. The opportunity to work in such a collaborative, clinically embedded environment, engaging with clinicians, researchers, and patient groups, made it an ideal setting to develop as a scientist and contribute to advancing precision medicine approaches.  

My PhD research focuses on improving how we evaluate and personalise interventions in autism. Autism is highly diverse, and although behavioural supports are available, there are currently no approved medications for those seeking pharmacological support for specific social or communication difficulties. As a result, clinical studies often test potential treatments across broad groups, which can make it difficult to determine who benefits and why. 

I use electroencephalography (EEG), a safe and non-invasive technique that measures brain activity, to identify objective brain signals that show whether an intervention is having a meaningful effect. In my current work, I’m validating promising EEG measures within a clinical study of a drug, Arbaclofen, with the aim of understanding patterns of response and making trials more precise and informative. 

I’m working to move autism research away from guesswork towards clearer, biology-guided decisions. This matters to me because better measurements lead to stronger evidence and, ultimately, more reliable options for people and families seeking support.  

In areas like autism, clinical trials often rely on broad behavioural measures and trial-and-error approaches, which can make it difficult to detect meaningful effects and slow the development of effective interventions. By validating EEG-based biomarkers, I aim to provide tools that help researchers measure treatment response more reliably and understand who is most likely to benefit. More broadly, I hope this approach supports a shift towards more data-driven, personalised research and ultimately leads to clearer evidence and better-informed options for individuals and families. 

I’m motivated not only by understanding the brain, but also by developing tools and evidence that can translate into meaningful improvements in care.  

To me, diversity in academia means bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and ways of thinking to ask better questions and produce stronger science. My own path, studying and working across Europe, and the UK, and moving between academia and industry,  has shown me how much innovation comes from combining different experiences and approaches.  I’ve seen that diverse teams challenge assumptions, think more creatively, and design research that is more relevant to the communities it aims to serve.  

I value environments where people feel included and able to contribute their perspectives, because that’s when both individuals and science thrive.   

Moving across different countries and academic systems has at times been challenging, as it meant repeatedly adapting to new environments, expectations, and professional networks. Building confidence and establishing myself in each new setting required resilience and initiative. I’ve navigated this by actively seeking mentors, being proactive about collaborations, and viewing each transition as an opportunity to learn rather than a setback! Over time, this has made me more adaptable, independent, and comfortable working with diverse teams, skills that I now see as strengths in academia.  

 I’m proud of  having built an academic path that feels intentional and truly aligned with the kind of researcher I want to be. Rather than following a straight or conventional route, I’ve made choices that consistently pushed me outside my comfort zone, moving countries, shifting disciplines, and gaining experience in both academia and industry, to better understand how science translates into real-world impact. More than any single achievement, I value the independence, adaptability, and clear sense of direction these experiences gave me, and how they now guide the way I approach meaningful, translational science.  

I would encourage someone considering a PhD to  think beyond just the project topic and consider the environment, mentorship, and training they will receive. A PhD is not only about answering a research question, but about developing the skills, mindset, and network that will shape your long-term career. Seek experiences outside your immediate field, whether that’s clinical settings, industry, or interdisciplinary collaborations, because seeing how research translates into practice can really sharpen your perspective and make your work more impactful. Most importantly, choose a question you genuinely care about. A PhD is a long and challenging process, and curiosity and purpose are what sustain you through it!  

I have been  fortunate to have supportive PhD supervisors who have made a real difference to my experience. They have created an environment where I feel both intellectually challenged and genuinely supported, and where I am trusted to work independently while always knowing I can ask for guidance. Their openness and encouragement have helped me grow in confidence and enjoy the process of research, not just the outcomes. That support has shaped the kind of researcher, and person, I hope to be for others in the future!