My inaugural lecture was a special moment to reflect on the journey so far, both academic and personal. Sharing my story with family, friends, colleagues, and the wider community made it a celebration not just of research, but importantly of the people who have helped shape and support my journey. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined, to Matthew and Paola for their kind words, and to Hannah and the events team for organising such a memorable evening.
Professor Gemma Modinos
20 June 2025
Professor Gemma Modinos delivers inaugural lecture, "Where the wild thoughts grow: from brain scans to mechanisms in psychosis.”
On Thursday 5 June 2025, Professor Modinos gave her inaugural lecture as a Professor of Neuroscience & Mental Health.
The evening was opened by Professor Matthew Hotopf, Executive Dean, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and a vote of thanks was given by Professor Paola Dazzan, Professor of Neurobiology of Psychosis at the IoPPN.
Professor Modinos' lecture focused on her work in academia, and how she arrived here, her inspirations and those who had been part of her journey.
The research in Professor Modinos' Lab uses multimodal neuroimaging approaches across humans and relevant animal models to understand the role of the neural mechanisms involved in emotional behaviour in the development of psychotic symptoms and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. We also use pharmacological imaging approaches to investigate whether targeting these mechanisms can help design new therapeutic strategies for psychosis.
Gemma also founded and co-chairs the global ENIGMA Schizotypy working group, the largest worldwide collaborative network for neuroimaging research in schizotypy.
In this story
Professor of Neuroscience & Mental Health
Executive Dean, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
Professor of Neurobiology of Psychosis, IoPPN Vice Dean (International)