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Through our deep and proven expertise within the neuroscience space and our dedicated expert team, HRW Synapse, we’ll help you improve the lives of patients with challenging and complex conditions and make your neuroscience assets a success.
HRW Synapse
Challenges in neuroscience can include:
• Forecasting usage of novel, pipeline products with new modes of action within underserved spaces
• Connecting with vulnerable patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders
• Differentiating within a congested market with complicated prescribing patterns
Neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders are challenging to treat. Few conditions have a ‘one size fits all’ solution, with holistic care, personalised treatment options and the patient environment playing a significant role.
As neuroscience specialists, we’ll bring our expertise to your project to ensure the idiosyncrasies of your therapy area are at the forefront of your research design and interpretation.
The work of our specialist neuroscience team, HRW Synapse, is underpinned by integrated working with HRW’s expert Market Research teams in quant and qual, Behavioural Science, Data Science, and Patient Research.
Together, we equip you with an extensive suite of tools to use within your projects and we understand how these must be adapted for neuroscience to ensure they are appropriate and manageable.
So we can provide you with the holistic expertise and consultancy within neuroscience you require and uncover the insights you need.
Abigail Graham
Catherine Harwood
Rhiannon Connolly
Samyukta Kumar
Kiran Akhtar
Elinor Corcoran
Josie Newsom
McKayla Grierson
Zaniv Chhina
Lauryn Johnson
Freya Nangle
Mike Bartman
Sri Kannan
Tina Sallustio
Abigail has worked on a plethora of mental health conditions and has deep knowledge in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia. She also has knowledge of upcoming treatments, including researching into the use of psychedelics and has experience working in depression and Parkinson's Disease.
Cathy heads up the Synapse team giving direction and spearheading the initiative across the company. She has embedded knowledge across an array of conditions including, Bipolar disorder, Borderline Personality disorder, PTSD, depression and schizophrenia.
Rhiannon has a wealth of knowledge in the mental health space which includes schizophrenia, PTSD and BoPD. Rhiannon has worked in the forefront of new assets and as part of HRW SHIFT combines her learnings with a behavioural science lens.
Samyukta holds master’s degrees in clinical psychology and Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics. With extensive experience in behavioural science and healthcare, she has conducted numerous academic and field studies to better understand the drivers of preventive health behaviours. During her masters, she investigated communication strategies employed in healthcare settings to regulate inappropriate antibiotic usage in the patient community. Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, Samyukta's work adopts a holistic approach to bring context specific behavioural science evidence to the realm of health. Beyond her professional pursuits, Samyukta is an avid food enthusiast who manages a food blog in her free time. Additionally, she enjoys scuba diving, and other outdoor adventures.
Kiran has nearly two years of experience in pharmaceutical market research. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience and a Master’s in Brain Science. Driven by a passion for understanding human thought and behaviour, she pursued a career in healthcare and pharmaceutical market research, where she has explored various therapy areas, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. This role has allowed her to apply and refine her research skills in a dynamic industry.
After graduating with a degree in Neuroscience, Elinor worked in the NHS on the neurodevelopmental pathway where she developed a keen interest in how people view at their own health. She is very excited to put her skills to work and learn new aspects of healthcare at HRW as the research executive.
Josie has a Masters degree in neuroscience and psychology and has worked on projects across areas such as depression, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease and spinal muscular atrophy. She has a particular interest in degenerative and rare conditions.
McKayla graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2025 with a BBA in International Business and Marketing, plus a certificate in Global Health and Economic Development. She’s excited to merge her interests in healthcare and marketing at HRW, with a particular focus on understanding the perspectives of doctors, patients, and providers. Her passion for healthcare access led to an internship with Health Access Connect in Uganda.
Zaniv is a Fordham University graduate with a B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience, dedicated to advancing solutions that protect vulnerable populations and advocate for their needs in healthcare. Her research during her undergraduate studies focused on the psychological and cognitive effects of air pollution on children, furthering her commitment to evidence-based approaches that promote health equity. Zaniv is especially passionate about women’s and children’s health, mental health, and epidemiology.
Lauryn graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Marketing. Her natural curiosity and love for asking meaningful questions sparked her passion for research, where she enjoys exploring human behavior and finding ways to help people feel seen and understood. She is deeply committed to community and believes that life is meant to be shared.
Freya has worked across a range of mental health and behavioural science topics, with a strong foundation in neuroscience, genetics, and psychopathology. She has deep knowledge of the biological and psychological mechanisms underlying mental health conditions, with particular expertise in how genetic predispositions and neurobiological pathways interact with environmental factors. Freya has researched the relationship between music, brain function, and psychological well-being, and she has a strong interest in how gender influences mental health outcomes and experiences.
Mike studied BSc Psychology with Education at UCL, where his dissertation which focused on PTSD and Insomnia earned the departmental award for ‘Best Psychology Research Project’. He also has experience in studies relating to depression and dementia.
Sri holds a BSc in Biology with a concentration in Physiology from the University of Washington, with laboratory research experience spanning Parkinson’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His academic and research background, combined with a personal interest in therapies that enhance neurological function and quality of life, underpins his focus on neuroscience innovation.
Tina is a seasoned healthcare researcher with over 20 years’ experience leading global initiatives. She specialises in advanced methodologies from segmentation and conjoint analysis to tracking and message testing, translating data into clear, strategic insights. Her therapeutic expertise spans Neurology, Women’s Health, and rare diseases. Tina is particularly passionate about pre-launch research that shapes brand strategy, as well as post-launch tracking to support growth.
Case-studies
Our client was preparing for the launch of their treatment for Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease (AAD), for which they needed:
Insights from this research were used to inform a global positioning, but also understand the local nuances.
We conducted a multi-phase qualitative into qualitative project in EU5 markets with GPs, neurologists and psychiatrists
Behavioural science re-analysis of existing research: HRW Shift reviewed our client’s existing market research reports to identify underlying mechanisms behind behaviour and inform the design of subsequent research accordingly.
QualieTM Customer survey:
Lexicon analysis: linguistic analysis of the spontaneous language used by respondents (qual) and validated as impactful (quant) to provide guidance one how to speak to HCPs about ketogenic diet as a viable option for treatment.
Blogs, News, and Insights
Episode 31, Part 1: Linguistics Analysis: Instagram Captions and Mental Health
The so-called reality or standards that social media continues to enforce is reshaping people’s social norms and attit...
Episode 3: Music and Alzheimer’s Disease
Music and its potential therapeutic effects have been of interest in various research fields, especially in patients dia...
Episode 2: Spotlight on Alzheimer’s Day: Insights from Research
This year, as part of World Azheimer’s Day, Alexandra Petrache, Senior Behavioural Science Analyst and valued member o...
Episode 1: Into The Spotlight
Migraines are actually a debilitating neurological disease, and although they are seen as a common headache disorder, th...
Spark the Synapse: Neuromodulation Innovations Unveiled
Following a series of interviews with Key Opinion Leaders and patients, Catherine Harwood, Senior Director and Abigai...
Neuroscience KOL Expert Panel: Your Questions Answered
Interested in learning about the future neuroscience landscape? Our clients have submitted their burning innovation a...
The Future of Psychiatry? A debate on Psychedelic and Dissociative Treatments
In recent years, the ‘noise’ around the use of psychedelics and dissociatives to treat different neurologica...
Information In – Influence Out
Imagine being newly diagnosed with a condition and the distressing realisation that there is little information availabl...
Bipolar Treatment: Why Personalised Care Matters
World Bipolar Day, recognised each year on 30th March, is an important moment to deepen public understanding of bipolar ...
The Future of Orexins: Sleep Awareness Week
Sleep awareness week (8th – 14th March) is an annual campaign created by the National Sleep Foundation to highlight...
Early Detection of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
Inspired by growing advocacy efforts, including Jesy Nelson becoming a patron of SMA UK, this month we are spotlighting ...
ADHD Diagnosis in Adolescence: Understanding Individual Pathways to Care
Adolescence is a period of rapid cognitive, emotional and social change. For young people with Attention‑Deficit/Hyper...
Neuroscience in 2025: Five Breakthroughs Shaping the Brain’s Future
Neuroscience in 2025 marked a turning point for how we understand the brain across the lifespan. From early development ...
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