![Georgina Wren BSc, MSc, PhD, AFHEA](https://profiles-cardiff.imgix.net/attachments/9707?w=200&h=200&auto=format&crop=faces&fit=crop&q=90")
Dr Georgina Wren
(she/her)
BSc, MSc, PhD, AFHEA
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Teams and roles for Georgina Wren
Lecturer
Overview
My research is grounded in clinical and health psychology, specialising in behavioural science approaches to reducing health inequalities. My research centres on women’s health, with a particular focus on rare and stigmatised conditions and the lived experiences of those managing long-term health issues. I have a growing interest in female athletes and sport, including the role of menstrual health in performance and wellbeing.
Alongside this, my work explores skin health and adjustment to dermatological conditions, building on my doctoral research and a developing focus on menopause and its impact on skin and wellbeing. I also have expertise in understanding and addressing disparities in cancer screening uptake and engagement through behaviour change interventions.
Methodologically, I am primarily a qualitative researcher with extensive experience in thematic analysis, complemented by strong mixed-methods expertise. I also have experience in delivering training and education to athletes and coaches on female health in sport, supporting the translation of research into practice.
Publication
2026
- Elgie, T. , Davies, W. and Wren, G. H. 2026. A mixed-methods online survey approach using retrospective self-reporting to characterise congenital ichthyoses across age groups. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 21 209. (10.1186/s13023-026-04358-7)
2025
- Wren, G. et al. 2025. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. Archives of Dermatological Research 317 351. (10.1007/s00403-025-03884-x)
2024
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2024. Cardiac arrhythmia in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X linked ichthyosis): candidate anatomical and biochemical pathways. Essays in Biochemistry 68 (4), pp.423-429. EBC20230098. (10.1042/EBC20230098)
- Wren, G. et al. 2024. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. Research Square
- Wren, G. et al. 2024. Memory, mood and associated neuroanatomy in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X-linked ichthyosis). Genes, Brain and Behavior 23 (3) e12893. (10.1111/gbb.12893)
- Wren, G. 2024. Exploring the psychological and physiological issues associated with X-linked ichthyosis. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
2023
- Wren, G. et al. 2023. Characterising heart rhythm abnormalities associated with Xp22.31 deletion. Journal of Medical Genetics 60 , pp.636-643. (10.1136/jmg-2022-108862)
2022
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2022. X-linked ichthyosis: New insights into a multi-system disorder. Skin Health and Disease 2 (4) e179. (10.1002/ski2.179)
- Hewitt, R. M. et al. 2022. A mixed methods systematic review of digital interventions to support the psychological health and well-being of people living with dermatological conditions. Frontiers in Medicine (10.3389/fmed.2022.1024879)
- Wren, G. and Mercer, J. 2022. Dismissal, distrust, and dismay: a phenomenological exploration of young women’s diagnostic experiences with endometriosis and subsequent support. Journal of Health Psychology 27 (11), pp.2549-2565. (10.1177/13591053211059387)
- Wren, G. et al. 2022. Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 47 (6), pp.1097-1108. (10.1111/ced.15116)
- Brcic, L. et al., 2022. Comorbid medical issues in X-linked ichthyosis [Letter]. JID Innovations 2 (3) 100109. (10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100109)
- Wren, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Sex-linked genetic mechanisms and atrial fibrillation risk. European Journal of Medical Genetics 65 (4) 104459. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104459)
Articles
- Elgie, T. , Davies, W. and Wren, G. H. 2026. A mixed-methods online survey approach using retrospective self-reporting to characterise congenital ichthyoses across age groups. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 21 209. (10.1186/s13023-026-04358-7)
- Wren, G. et al. 2025. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. Archives of Dermatological Research 317 351. (10.1007/s00403-025-03884-x)
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2024. Cardiac arrhythmia in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X linked ichthyosis): candidate anatomical and biochemical pathways. Essays in Biochemistry 68 (4), pp.423-429. EBC20230098. (10.1042/EBC20230098)
- Wren, G. et al. 2024. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. Research Square
- Wren, G. et al. 2024. Memory, mood and associated neuroanatomy in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X-linked ichthyosis). Genes, Brain and Behavior 23 (3) e12893. (10.1111/gbb.12893)
- Wren, G. et al. 2023. Characterising heart rhythm abnormalities associated with Xp22.31 deletion. Journal of Medical Genetics 60 , pp.636-643. (10.1136/jmg-2022-108862)
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2022. X-linked ichthyosis: New insights into a multi-system disorder. Skin Health and Disease 2 (4) e179. (10.1002/ski2.179)
- Hewitt, R. M. et al. 2022. A mixed methods systematic review of digital interventions to support the psychological health and well-being of people living with dermatological conditions. Frontiers in Medicine (10.3389/fmed.2022.1024879)
- Wren, G. and Mercer, J. 2022. Dismissal, distrust, and dismay: a phenomenological exploration of young women’s diagnostic experiences with endometriosis and subsequent support. Journal of Health Psychology 27 (11), pp.2549-2565. (10.1177/13591053211059387)
- Wren, G. et al. 2022. Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 47 (6), pp.1097-1108. (10.1111/ced.15116)
- Brcic, L. et al., 2022. Comorbid medical issues in X-linked ichthyosis [Letter]. JID Innovations 2 (3) 100109. (10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100109)
- Wren, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Sex-linked genetic mechanisms and atrial fibrillation risk. European Journal of Medical Genetics 65 (4) 104459. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104459)
Thesis
- Wren, G. 2024. Exploring the psychological and physiological issues associated with X-linked ichthyosis. PhD Thesis , Cardiff University.
Research
Research Overview
My research is focused on Clinical and Health Psychology, using qualitative and mixed methods expertise. My research centres on women’s health, with a particular focus on rare and stigmatised conditions and the lived experiences of those managing long-term health issues. I have a growing interest in female athletes and sport, including the role of menstrual health in performance and wellbeing.
In my postdoctoral work, I joined the Laboratory for Stress and Health Research (STARLab) at the University of Leeds, working alongside Prof. Daryl O'Connor and Prof. Mark Conner. Working on a Cancer Research UK-funded project, I led a large-scale project to evaluate and implement two behaviour interventions to improve the uptake of NHS bowel cancer screening. This project utilised coproduction to design the intervention materials, and is currently nearing completion (Summer 2026).
During my PhD, I explored the psychological and physiological issues associated with X-linked ichthyosis (XLI), a rare genetic skin condition. I used a mixed methods approach to investigate the following components of XLI in comparison to other skin disorders and non-affected individuals:
- Mood and neurodevelopmental disorder-associated traits
- Heart-related symptoms and attitudes towards heart screening
- Memory, cognitive function and mood
In collaboration with research students in the group, I also led work to explore experiences of ageing in ichthyosis (publication in press) and to create accessible patient, family, and clinician information leaflets to support diagnosis.
Prior to my PhD, I conducted a number of qualitative studies around experiences of women's health conditions, such as endometriosis, and experiences of athletes in a high-performance sport setting.
Funding
Career Development Award (University of Leeds - 2024)
School of Psychology Impact Funding (Cardiff University - 2022)
PhD School of Psychology Studentship (2020-2024)
Teaching
At postgraduate level, I am the module coordinator for the Psychological Therapies module, and contribute to teaching for the Developmental and Clinical Psychology module.
I also contribute to teaching on the Developmental Psychology module, and Mental Health and Clinical Psychology module, both in Year 2 for the BSc Psychology programme.
Biography
Lecturer - Cardiff University (2025 - )
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - University of Leeds (2024 - )
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Cardiff University (2020-2024)
Education
Postgraduate Education
PhD (Psychology) Cardiff University 2020-2024
MSc Health Psychology (Distinction) Cardiff Metropolitan University 2019-2020
Undergraduate Education
BSc Psychology (First Class Hons) Cardiff Metropolitan University 2016-2019
Honours and awards
University of Leeds - Career Development Award (December 2024)
Three Minute Thesis (Institution Round) - Winner (June 2024)
Steroids and Nervous System Conference - Travel Fellowship (February 2024)
BPS PsyPAG - Rising Researcher of the Year (June 2022)
European Health Psychology Society - Conference Grant (May 2022)
Enriching Student Life Awards - PGR Graduate Tutor of the Year (May 2022)
Speaking engagements
Widening Access
As a first-generation, LGBTQ+ researcher, I am strongly committed to widening participation and ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to students from all backgrounds. I believe equity and representation should be central to academia, both in how we support students and in how we shape research. Alongside my academic work, I volunteer as a mentor with the Mullany Fund, supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue science and healthcare careers, and as a STEM Ambassador, promoting psychology and behavioural science to schools and communities. Through these roles, I aim to create opportunities, reduce barriers, and ensure that the next generation of students feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive in Higher Education.
Committees and reviewing
BPS Journals Early Career Reviewer Mentoring Programme (2024 - )
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee (School of Psychology - Cardiff University) - Postgraduate Representative (2021-2024)
Research Translation and Impact Network for ECRs - Vice Chair (2022-2024)
Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers of Psychology - PsyPAG Representative (2021-2023)
CAWR (Cardiff Metropolitan University) Early Career Community - Steering Group (2021-2023)
SkinCare Cymru - Trustee (2021 - 2024)
Cardiff University’s Wellcome Trust Institutional Translation Partnership Award (ITPA) Management Group - ECR representative (2020 - 2023)
Journal of Health Psychology - Reviewer (July 2021-Current)
Journal of Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Disorders - Reviewer (October 2022-Current)
Contact Details
Research themes
Specialisms
- Clinical and health psychology
- Health psychology
- Behaviour Change
- Qualitative Research
- Women’s Health