Iliyan is currently involved in research with the Department of Neuropsychiatry, focusing on the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). His work also extends to investigating blood biomarkers for predicting adverse cognitive and psychiatric outcomes following mTBI.

Alongside his current projects, Iliyan has contributed to research in developmental psychology and adult social perception, collaborating with established researchers in the UK. Beyond academia, he has a strong athletic background, having played football with the Cardiff City Academy while maintaining full-time schooling.