Hello, my name is Natasha, an eating disorder genetics researcher with lived experience of an eating disorder, trying to make a difference and I need your help!

I was first diagnosed with an eating disorder at 16 years old. But science has saved my life. Now, 10 years later, I have just finished a PhD in psychiatric genetics focussing on eating disorders.

EDs are incredibly complex, arising from a complicated mix of genetic, environmental, social, and cultural factors. They are some of the most lethal psychiatric conditions and a huge burden globally. Treatment is limited and outcomes poor - despite the established genetic contribution there is still so much integral work that needs to be done. My research focusses on identifying what bits of the human genome contribute to eating disorders, and how they interact with environmental factors to do this.

Eating disorder gentics remains a niche research area, and global funding cuts to science have significantly affected it. This is especially true for early career researchers like me, trying to forge an independent and innovative path. As an answer to this, I'm trying a non-traditional fundraising route. These funds will help me establish my research in this unprecedented difficult research climate - and most importantly, it will help me continue to do the science that gave me enough hope to save my life, and has the possability of improving understanding, treatment, and prevention for future generations.

Any amount helps, as well as sharing and spreading the word!

If you would like to get in touch and find out more about the specifics of my research, please feel free to find me on LinkedIn .

This science saved my life and I want to keep that going.

Thank you so, so much.