Dr Nikki-Anne Wilson

Nikki-Anne Wilson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the UNSW Australian Ageing Futures Institute, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), and the School of Psychology with a conjoint appointment at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). She joined UNSW after completing a PhD in Psychology at the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney for which she was sole-recipient of the Graduate Medal for Research Excellence.

Her primary research aim is to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and management of cognitive decline and dementia. Dr Wilson's work has a particular emphasis on investigating novel aspects of social cognition, creativity, and humour and how these contribute to our ability to maintain cognitive health and social interaction as we age. Her research program draws on a diverse array of skills, including neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, and population health.

Other key aspects of Dr Wilson’s work include developing novel interventions to support brain health and working with a range of stakeholders to improve health policy (e.g. National Dementia Education & Training Standards Framework; Childhood Dementia Initiative).

Nikki-Anne regularly appears in the media (e.g., Sydney Morning Herald, The Conversation, ABC Radio) and has published in leading ageing and neuroscience journals, e.g., Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Ageing & Mental Health, Alzheimer's Research & Therapy, Brain Sciences, Journal of the Neurological Sciences, and Cognition. Her recent paper in The Gerontologist was selected as Editor’s Choice in acknowledgment of its substantial contribution to the field of dementia prevention.

Alongside her academic research, Nikki-Anne is a regular community speaker (e.g., Probus, Rotary).