Professor Cathy Montgomery

Cathy Montgomery is a Professor of Psychopharmacology & Health Inequalities and Head of the Institute for Health Research at Liverpool John Moores University. Cathy's PhD research investigated the effects of the recreational drugs ecstasy, cannabis and cocaine on working memory and the fractionated model of executive functioning. Since this time, her research has developed to investigate the effects of drugs on various aspects of cognitive function and their neurophysiological, neuroendocrine and neuroelectric effects. She is particularly interested in using neuroimaging techniques such as functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to investigate brain indices of impaired cognitive function in substance users, and recovery of function with during substance use treatment.

Cathy also works with primary care and NHS and community providers of alcohol and substance use treatment to improve treatment pathways and outcomes for substance users. Her work in this area is focussed on the development and implementation of behavioural interventions for increasing self-management of long-term conditions such as chronic pain, and increasing access to and engagement with services. She leads the NIHR funded ARCNWC Marginalised Groups sub theme, aimed at co-production of research to improve the lives of marginalised groups across the region and beyond.