Kate Middleton meets world-leading developmental neuroscientists during University College London visit

The Duchess of Cambridge today visited a team of University College London’s world-leading developmental neuroscientists.

Kate, 37, was there to see first hand the ground-breaking research into how environment and biology interact to shape the way in which children develop both socially and emotionally.

During the visit, she met with leading academics as well as students in UCL Psychology & Language Sciences to learn about developmental neuroscience at UCL.

One of The Duchess’ key areas of interest is championing the importance of providing solid social and emotional foundations for children to support their development and emotional resilience as infants.

Professor Eamon McCrory (UCL Psychology & Language Sciences), the lead academic for the visit, said: “Our cutting-edge neuroscience research is shedding new light on how the brain develops in the early years. What we are learning has the potential to significantly improve the lives of children and their families.

"I am delighted and truly honoured that Her Royal Highness has shown such interest in our work and is supporting vital research in this area.”

UCL President & Provost, Professor Michael Arthur, said: “We’re delighted that Her Royal Highness is hearing from UCL’s developmental neuroscience researchers, as UCL takes great pride in its neuroscience and psychology work.

"We hope that this can help leverage the work of our neuroscientists as they seek to improve the lives of people affected by mental health disorders and ensure that every child has the best possible start to life.”

She also met students enrolled on UCL’s MSc programmes in child development, based at the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, one focused on clinical training and one focused on neuroscience research.