Nicola is a mental health researcher with a PhD in neuroscience, whose insights have been sought by leading institutions including Oxford, Harvard and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Her work sits at the intersection of pharmacology, psychotherapy, neurostimulation, and psychedelic interventions – underpinned by over a decade of experience, including managing the design and execution of clinical trials. At Playmakers, Nicola leads neuro-informed strategy and impact evaluation, helping clients ground bold vision in evidence and access valuable human intelligence through data. Her work is integrative, person-centred and rooted in the biopsychosocial model. A true leader in mental health and human performance – Nicola also holds advisory and mentoring roles across clinical, research and government sectors. This natural curiosity and integrity she brings to every engagement is what makes Nicola widely respected among clients and peers.

Areas of expertise:

• Neuroscience & mental health research
• Impact evaluation & translational strategy
• Lived experience & human-centred design
• Clinical trial design & execution
• Integrative biopsychosocial models
• Psychedelic-assisted therapy & innovation