Dr Alister Biard

Mental Health Scientist

I am training to become a Clinical Psychologist at King’s College London, driven by a passion for improving the lives of individuals with mental health challenges through the creation of innovative digital psychological tools. My journey began in journalism, which I followed with a master’s degree in psychology. I have worked as a researcher on large psychiatric genetic phenotyping studies at Cardiff University and have hands-on experience supporting individuals with complex mental health needs.

I completed a PhD at University College London, where my research explored how the physical environment influences the socio-emotional development of neurodiverse children. This experience deepened my understanding of developmental psychology and evidence-based intervention design.

I bring a diverse skill set to the research and development of Uvia, including expertise in experimental project management, teaching, public engagement, epidemiological statistics, and large-scale evidence synthesis. I have a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into psychological therapies, which I believe holds immense potential to transform mental health care. My focus is on combining cutting-edge research with practical solutions to make meaningful, real-world improvements for those navigating mental health challenges.