Lydia Hickman is a graduate student in the Cook Lab at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom. In her Ph.D. work, she explores the fundamental biological mechanisms underlying motor function and social cognition in the context of autism and Parkinson’s disease. Lydia co-founded the U21 Autism Research Network, an international collaboration among six research groups aiming to improve diversity and inclusion in autism research.
Lydia Hickman
Graduate student
University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom
From this contributor
Ways to make autism research more diverse and inclusive
Scientists must focus on the importance of representative study samples and of engaging with diverse autism community members.
Ways to make autism research more diverse and inclusive
By
Lydia Hickman
14 June 2022 | 6 min read
Explore more from The Transmitter
Error equation predicts brain’s ability to generalize
Four statistical measurements of neural network geometry capture how well brains and artificial networks use what they already know to solve new problems, a study suggests.
Error equation predicts brain’s ability to generalize
Four statistical measurements of neural network geometry capture how well brains and artificial networks use what they already know to solve new problems, a study suggests.
By
Natalia Mesa
10 April 2026 | 5 min read
Embrace complexity to improve the translatability of basic neuroscience
Researchers must learn to view heterogeneity as an essential feature of the systems they study and a central consideration in experimental design, not a variable to control for or reduce.
Embrace complexity to improve the translatability of basic neuroscience
Researchers must learn to view heterogeneity as an essential feature of the systems they study and a central consideration in experimental design, not a variable to control for or reduce.
By
Linda Douw, Klaus Eyer, Lara Keuck
9 April 2026 | 5 min read
Romain Brette reveals fundamental flaws in commonly assumed neuroscience concepts
His new book, “The Brain, In Theory,” offers alternatives to many of the computer science frameworks currently driving theoretical neuroscience.
Romain Brette reveals fundamental flaws in commonly assumed neuroscience concepts
His new book, “The Brain, In Theory,” offers alternatives to many of the computer science frameworks currently driving theoretical neuroscience.
By
Paul Middlebrooks
8 April 2026 | 131 min listen