Julia Rucklidge
Professor Julia Rucklidge, a clinical psychologist, is the Director of Te Puna Toiora, the Mental Health and Nutrition Research Lab at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. Originally from Toronto, Canada, she is internationally renowned for her research and clinical trials on nutrients and mental health challenges, from ADHD to irritability in teens, to antenatal depression. Professor Rucklidge has become well-known for her ability to succinctly communicate the latest research relating to nutrition and mental health and gives practical easy to implement information on how to eat to optimize brain health. She has hundreds of peer reviewed publications, global public talks and invited keynotes. She is a founding member and on the Executive Committee for the International Society of Nutritional Psychiatry Research. Notable achievements include co-authoring "The Better Brain," a TEDx talk with over 5 million views, a free online course through EdX on Mental Health and Nutrition taken by over 100,000 students, and receiving awards like University of Canterbury Innovation Medal 2024, the Ballin Award from the NZ Psychological Society for her contributions to clinical psychology, Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, a Braveheart Award for making Christchurch a better place to live, and being named three times as one of New Zealand's top 100 influential women. Julia is passionate about advocating that a good nutritional foundation is essential for helping people prevent and recover from mental health challenges.