Professor Julia Rucklidge

Julia Rucklidge is a Professor of Psychology and a Clinical Psychologist at The University of Canterbury, Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab, nutritional theme leader in the Child Wellbeing Institute, and co-author of The Better Brain.

Originally from Toronto, Julia moved to New Zealand after completing her Bachelor of Science at McGill University and Masters and PhD in clinical psychology at The University of Calgary.

Julia emigrated to New Zealand in 2000 to occupy the position as lecturer at the University of Canterbury. During this time she also continued to develop clinical expertise, by working at the Canterbury District Health Board and Christchurch Charity Hospital. She was later appointed Director of the Clinical Training programme at The University of Canterbury.

Julia’s original line of research focused on neuro-cognitive and psychological functioning in ADHD, to which she has published many peer reviewed publications. Julia has since expanded her research interests, now focusing on the role of nutrition in the expression and treatment of mental illness.

Her interests in nutrition and mental illness stemmed from research showing poor outcomes for individuals with significant psychiatric illness despite receiving recommended, conventional treatments. The majority of Julia’s research investigates the role of broad-spectrum micronutrients in the treatment of mental illness.

Julia’s success has lead to the publication of over 140 peer reviewed publications, her 2014 TEDx Talk being viewed almost 5 million times, development of a free EdX online course and and the publication of ‘The Better Brain’ , to which she is co-author.