Dr Edward Sucksmith

I received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Wales, Cardiff and a Master of Science in Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology at the University of Oxford. I am currently conducting a PhD under Dr Rosa Hoekstra at the Open University, and collaborate with the ARC.

My PhD research looks at the ‘Broader Autism Phenotype’ (BAP), investigating the way in which autistic characteristics and related cognitive traits aggregate and are expressed in the ‘extended’ family. This research project is a collaboration between the Open University and the Autism Research Centre of the University of Cambridge. By examining which cognitive and behavioural traits are most frequently expressed in relatives of people with autism, we can pinpoint which particular traits are most likely to be under genetic influence. We will also study whether the aggregation of autistic traits varies in different types of families. This research project will aid in the search for the genes associated with autism spectrum conditions. 

In addition to my PhD research, I also take a strong interest in the biological evolution of social cognition and the evolution and transmission of culture.