The Science of Intergenerational Trauma

Trauma does not always end with the person who experiences it. Recent cutting-edge studies show that extreme stress can leave biochemical ‘sticky notes’ on our DNA. These tiny epigenetic tweaks not only play a role in how our bodies respond to danger but also could be passed down to generations. When war, displacement, or abuse alters stress-response genes, a child can inherit a nervous system already tuned to hyper-vigilance, shaping lifelong health and behaviour.

In this talk, Dr Jeffrey DeMarco unpacks the science behind intergenerational trauma, showing why biology is not destiny. Drawing on fieldwork with families across seven countries, he explains how positive relationships, safe digital spaces, and evidence-based interventions can ‘rewrite’ these harmful patterns before they ripple onwards.

Doors open at 6:45pm, talk starts at 7.30pm - come down early to grab a good seat!

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SpeakerBio:

Dr Jeffrey DeMarco is a Senior Technical Advisor for Protecting Children from Digital Harm at Save the Children UK. He is also a chartered forensic psychologist, frequently lectures on trauma at Middlesex University. His research and policy works bridge psychology with technology and child protection, where most recently, he led a nine-nation digital-resilience programme. He has spoken before the European Commission, Europol, and UNICEF on online harms, radicalisation, and the experience of trauma. His ideas have been featured in his TEDx RoyalHolloway talks “The Importance of Trust” and his podcast “Privacy Talks” (2025).

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