

Dr Sarah McKay: Neuroscientist & Science Communicator
I’m an Oxford-educated neuroscientist, author, and speaker, and I run The Neuroscience Academy – online training in brain health and applied neuroscience for health and helping professionals.
I share brain science with a clear, science-first voice ... no fluff, no headline grabs ... just solid research, translated into useful, real-world insights.
I live on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where I write, teach, swim in the ocean year-round, and turn complex neuroscience into practical tools and accessible stories.
Work with me.
d. Keynote Speaker
I am an experienced keynote speaker presenting to audiences including TikTok-Australia, EY, Vogue, Winona School, Business Chicks, CalmBirth and the Resolution Institute.
I have a special interest on women's brain health, covering how the brain changes during childlhood, puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and healthy ageing.
My keynotes also explore the neurobiology of uncertainty, brain-to-brain synchrony and trust, and the practical application of neuroscience in leadership, HR, and health.
I offer tailored keynotes, workshops, book talks and engaging Q&A sessions, delivered either in person or virtually, to meet the specific needs of your audience.
“I have known Sarah since we were graduate students. She was always an extremely sharp thinker about science; she liked to challenge things but with an openness to possibility. It's hard to maintain sharp-edged curiosity without becoming cynical. Sarah did that as a graduate student, and she does that now.”
Professor Andrew Huberman, Huberman Lab Podcast.

e. Free Micro-Training in Brain science.
Perfect for people too busy for extensive (and expensive) courses.
This free micro-training in applied neuroscience is quick, entertaining, and immediately applicable to everyday life.
You'll be taught one simple neuroscience concept every day including:
- The interplay between emotions and thinking.
- The importance of social connection and brain health.
- Creating and breaking habits.
- Neuroplasticity and behaviour change in adulthood.
- Using visualisation to master skills and emotions.
- Effective goal-setting, even when you're burned out.
Quickly upskill in basic brain science.
Get maximum impact with minimal time investment!
Dr. McKay is a vivacious and entertaining guide into the fascinating world of brain science.
- John Mekrut, The Balanced Brain.
f. The Women's Brain Book:
The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones and Happiness
As women, understanding how our brains are sculpted by many factors — including genes and hormones, life experiences, society and culture, thoughts, feelings, and personal beliefs — is key to better health and well-being.
The story begins in the womb and takes a fascinating, informative, and truly eye-opening journey through infancy and girlhood, puberty and the menstrual cycle, the teenage years, mental health, pregnancy and motherhood, menopause, and finally, into old age.
Learn exactly what happens inside your brain and body as you move through all of the important phases of your lives and the unique and often misunderstood effects of female biology and hormones.
Fully revised 2nd edition due 2025!
Due to the rapid pace (it was a long time coming!) of women's brain health research, a comprehensive updated 2nd edition of The Women's Brain Book will be released in July 2025.

g. Sarah's TEDx talk: On the Neurobiology of Afternoon Naps!


h. View Sarah's ABC Catalyst TV documentary Living Longer: Brain.
In this episode of the ABC's flagship science show, Catalyst, Sarah travels to San Francisco where the worlds of technology and biology collide and explores some of the more out-there anti-aging science, including one doctor’s work on the holy grail of aging medicine.



Free 10 day micro-training in neuroscience

Learn one neuroscience concept a day!
10 simple, bite-sized lessons in brain health, delivered daily to your inbox