Gemma Goldenberg
Gemma is ISEY’s Research Partnerships and Knowledge Exchange lead. As a psychologist and education expert, she bridges the gap between neuroscience research and early childhood practice - working closely with teachers and early years practitioners through training, consultancy, conferences, and publications like Early Years Educator and Nursery World.
Gemma builds partnerships between nurseries, schools, and ISEY, helping educators apply neuroscience and developmental research to inform their pedagogy. She also helps design new research, ensuring that our projects focus on areas that matter to those working with children, and making sure that our findings relevant, accessible, and practical for schools and early years settings.
In 2024, Gemma earned her PhD in psychology from UEL, exploring how indoor and outdoor learning environments impact children's noise levels, stress, attention, and behaviour.
Gemma co-authored Take Action on Distraction with Prof. Sam Wass, offering strategies to support young children’s attention in educational settings. She also shares research on outdoor learning via her Instagram account, @phd_and_three, providing accessible insights for parents and teachers.
Previously, Gemma has worked as a research and learning specialist for the Chartered College of Teaching, co-authoring the Education in Times of Crisis research series on the impact of COVID-19 on education. She also spent 15 years teaching in London primary schools, including roles as a curriculum leader and Assistant Headteacher in Newham, alongside completing an MSc in psychology (distinction) at UEL. She holds a PGCE from UCL Institute of Education and a First-Class BA in English and Media from the University of Sussex.
