The Gut-Brain Axis: Insights on Clinical Trial Design

Feb 23, 2021

Event Overview:

This webinar explored the rapidly growing field of gut–brain research and provided guidance on designing robust clinical trials for cognitive, mood, and mental well-being outcomes.

Event Overview:

This webinar explored the rapidly growing field of gut–brain research and provided guidance on designing robust clinical trials for cognitive, mood, and mental well-being outcomes.

Event Overview:

This webinar explored the rapidly growing field of gut–brain research and provided guidance on designing robust clinical trials for cognitive, mood, and mental well-being outcomes.

Key Discussion Points

Understanding gut–brain communication pathways.

Appropriate cognitive and psychological endpoints.

Challenges in placebo control and subjectivity.

Regulatory considerations for brain health claims.

Speakers

Miguel Toribio-Mateas

Clinical Neuroscientist and Nutrition Researcher

Atlas Biomed

Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas is a clinical neuroscientist, applied microbiologist, and nutrition researcher with over two decades of experience working at the intersection of neuroscience, nutrition science, and microbiome research. He holds advanced degrees including a Doctorate (DProf) focused on the microbiome–gut–brain axis and mental health, a Master’s in Clinical Neuroscience, and a BSc (Hons) in Nutritional Medicine. His doctoral work was recognised with the Santander Universities Work-Based Learning Award for its contribution to emerging research on gut-brain communication.

Dr. Toribio-Mateas’ research explores how diet, the gut microbiota, and lifestyle factors influence mood, cognition, and behaviour through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. He has led and contributed to clinical studies and trials linking nutrition to mental wellbeing and neurodevelopmental outcomes, including work published in peer-reviewed journals such as BMJ Open. He co-designed and oversaw research into the effects of fermented foods on cognitive health and ADHD symptoms as part of a multidisciplinary team.

In addition to his research roles, Dr. Toribio-Mateas serves as an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff University’s School of Psychology and as a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Public Health at the University of West London, where he teaches research methods, gut-brain science, and public health implementation. His professional practice includes translational research, product development, and science communication for academic and industry stakeholders. He has held fellowships and research positions funded by the European Regional Development Fund and contributed to direct-to-consumer microbiome testing innovation.

His expertise centres on gut-brain interactions, nutritional psychiatry, cognitive performance, and inclusive research practices that integrate lived experience — particularly in neurodiversity and mental health. Dr. Toribio-Mateas combines rigorous scientific insight with practical application, making complex research accessible to practitioners, brands, and broader audiences.

Dr. Shalini Srivastava

Associate Director

Vedic Lifesciences

Shalini Srivastava, MD, has the rare distinction of combining formal training and an early career in mainstream medicine with 10 years of experience in nutraceutical clinical research for CROs and supplement brands. Shalini’s category insights and her ability to traverse the treacherous path of intended marketing claims, clinical trial design, trial conduct, data analysis, and, finally, the approved marketing claims offer immense value to trial sponsors from any regulatory region. As Director of Clinical Development at Vedic Lifesciences, Dr. Srivastava has led the planning and execution of studies for probiotics and botanicals in the gut health and cognition spaces, leading to high-impact publications and award-winning ingredients.