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Kate Jeffery
Head of School, Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Glasgow
Kate Jeffery is a prominent neuroscientist currently serving as the Head of the School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow, a position she has held since September 2022. Before this role, she was a Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), where she also founded the Institute of Behavioural Neuroscience and served as Vice Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Brain Sciences.134
Education and Early Career
Jeffery was born on March 5, 1962, in Dunedin, New Zealand. She completed her medical degree (MB ChB) at the University of Otago in 1985, followed by a Master's in Neuroscience and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Edinburgh.53 Her doctoral research focused on the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in spatial navigation and memory.
Research Interests
Professor Jeffery's research primarily investigates how the brain encodes spatial information to form cognitive maps. This work includes studying place cells and grid cells within the hippocampus that contribute to our understanding of location and navigation.25 She is particularly interested in how these neural representations are influenced by environmental factors and how they integrate sensory information to support cognition and memory.
Contributions and Recognition
Throughout her career, Jeffery has been recognized for her contributions to neuroscience. She is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Biology and the Royal Institute of Navigation, reflecting her significant impact on understanding spatial cognition.45 Additionally, she has been involved in interdisciplinary projects linking neuroscience with architecture, exploring how environmental design can affect human navigation and perception.35
Current Role and Vision
As Head of School at Glasgow, Jeffery aims to enhance the institution's research profile while addressing global challenges related to human behavior. She emphasizes the importance of understanding cognitive processes to equip future generations with the necessary skills for societal benefit.43
In summary, Kate Jeffery is an influential figure in neuroscience, particularly known for her work on spatial cognition and memory, with a strong academic background and leadership experience in higher education.


