Nikki-Anne Wilson is a Lecturer in the UNSW School of Psychology and Research Fellow in the Australian Ageing Futures Institute, with a conjoint appointment at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). She joined UNSW after completing a PhD with the FRONTIER younger onset dementia clinic at the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney.

Dr Wilson's work aims to improve understanding of the mechanisms through which social interaction helps to support brain health across life. Her investigative approach spans a range of disciplines including cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and neuroscience.

She leads an emerging research program investigating humour and laughter as key aspects of social cognition which drive social behaviour. This work has important implications for providing more targeted interventions to help maintain social connection as we age, identifying those potentially at risk for social isolation, and earlier diagnosis of brain diseases associated with changes in social behaviour.

Alongside her academic research, Nikki-Anne is a regular media commentator (e.g., Sydney Morning Herald, The Conversation, ABC Radio) and community speaker (e.g., Probus, Rotary).