NMI Summit 2025 Speaker
Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas
Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutritionist with over 25 years of experience in healthcare, science, and technology. His research explores the microbiota-gut-brain axis, investigating how diet and lifestyle influence mood, cognition, and behaviour. With a doctorate in gut microbiome and mental health, his work has earned recognition, including the prestigious Santander Universities Work-Based Learning Award in 2016 and publication in peer-reviewed journals like the BMJ.
Dr. Miguel has led transdisciplinary research projects, designing and overseeing clinical trials that examine the role of nutrition in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. He previously held a five-year research fellowship at London South Bank University, focusing on gut health’s impact on cognitive function and mental wellbeing. Currently, he is part of a multi-centre team evaluating natural approaches to ADHD management and holds an Honorary Research Fellowship at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology. Alongside his research, he is a lecturer in nutrition at the University of West London, where his work focuses on quality improvement in public health interventions and their interface with gut and brain health.
A strong advocate for ethical and inclusive research, Dr. Miguel integrates lived experience into his work, particularly in the context of neurodiversity and mental health. As a queer neurodivergent researcher, he prioritises participant voices, using qualitative methods to understand the diverse needs of different neurotypes. His expertise extends to nutritional psychiatry and addiction, with a focus on how diet supports executive function, sensory processing, and emotional regulation. Central to his work is the principle of self-compassion—helping individuals navigate their health and neurodivergence with curiosity rather than judgement, and promoting a sustainable, strengths-based approach to wellbeing.
Beyond academia, Dr. Miguel is actively involved in mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, bringing both scientific insight and compassionate advocacy to his work. His science qualifications include a Doctorate (DProf) in Gut Microbiome & Mental Health, an MSc in Clinical Neuroscience, a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Medicine, and a PgDip in Environmental Decision Making (Sustainability).
He is currently writing a self-compassionate guide to the neuroscience of ADHD, which will be published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and available in early 2026. Through his research, teaching, and writing, Dr. Miguel empowers individuals to make informed, evidence-based dietary choices that nurture both body and mind—always with the understanding that self-care is not about perfection, but about kindness and adaptability.