Eszter Szekely

I am a psychologist, epidemiologist and neuroscientist whose work focuses on maternal and child brain and mental health during the perinatal period. My research examines how genomic, neurobiological, and behavioural factors influence women’s mental health as they move into parenthood, and how these early experiences shape infant development.

I lead the PARENTS Lab, where my team studies ways to support women experiencing perinatal mental health difficulties and to strengthen the developing mother–child bond. We also design and test evidence‑based interventions aimed at improving the early parenting experience.

My work has been supported by national and provincial research agencies and has received multiple awards recognizing its impact on maternal and child health.