FutureNeuro is delighted to announce that Rebecca Graham, Managing Editor at Silicon Republic, will join the Centre in early 2026 for a five-month science journalism residency—marking the first FRONTIERS residency in Ireland. 

Rebecca was one of seven early-career science journalists selected through the third call of the FRONTIERS Science Journalism Residency Programme, a prestigious European Research Council (ERC)-funded initiative that gives journalists the opportunity to spend immersive periods embedded within research institutions across Europe. 

One key focus during her residency will be exploring how digital psychiatry is transforming our understanding of psychosis. She will work closely with FutureNeuro researchers Prof Mary Cannon (RCSI) and Prof Claire Gillan (TCD), both ERC grant awardees, who are pioneering a novel approach to mental health research. 

Their work combines clinical psychiatry and data science to develop a citizen science smartphone app that collects real-time behavioural and cognitive data from people experiencing psychotic symptoms. Using natural language processing, the app analyses users’ descriptions of their experiences to identify potential triggers or protective factors for psychosis and detect early warning signs. 

“You need the personal stories, but you also need the science,” Prof Cannon said, when discussing the project. 

The research is particularly timely given that, according to the WHO, one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition, and as many as one in 300 experience schizophrenia. The work also explores the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis—an increasingly important area as cannabis legalisation expands worldwide. 

Professor David Henshall, Director of FutureNeuro, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rebecca to FutureNeuro as Ireland’s first FRONTIERS resident. This residency represents exactly the kind of collaboration we value—bringing together rigorous frontier research and thoughtful science communication. Rebecca’s track record in covering complex neuroscience topics with both accuracy and accessibility makes her an ideal choice for this work. We’re excited to support her as she explores the breadth of research happening at FutureNeuro, and we look forward to the insights she’ll bring to communicating our work to wider audiences.” 

Rebecca has extensive experience in science communication, having previously reported on FutureNeuro’s research and public engagement activities with clarity and depth.  

“I’m delighted to participate in the Frontiers Science Journalism Residency programme,” Rebecca said. “My project will explore how frontier neuroscience is reshaping our understanding of psychosis through digital psychiatry tools. To engage with this complex topic requires time and resources, something often in short supply in journalism. I’m grateful to Frontiers for giving me the opportunity to dedicate myself to this inquiry for the next few months.” 

She added: “I want to thank FutureNeuro, who have already been incredibly supportive of this project. I look forward to working with them during the residency.” 

Over the five months, Rebecca will produce multimedia journalism—including long-form articles, audio, video, and interactive content—exploring the ethical considerations and wider implications of digital psychiatry and other research across FutureNeuro. She will also participate in workshops and events, sharing science communication insights with our researchers and contributing to the Centre’s public engagement efforts. 

Find out more about the successful candidates in this FRONTIERS Residencies press release.