Beatriz Rico brings decades of experience in understanding the development of neuronal circuits and a wealth of expertise spanning genetics, synapse formation, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Rico leads a research group at King’s College London. She earned her PhD at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and completed postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Francisco. In 2005, she became an Assistant Professor at the CSIC Institute of Neuroscience in Alicante, Spain, before being recruited to a professorship at King’s College London in 2014.

Her research focuses on how genes guide the assembly of mammalian cortical circuits and the consequences of their disruption for neurodevelopmental disorders. Rico’s work has been recognized by the European Molecular Biology Organization with an EMBO Young Investigator Programme award in 2010 and EMBO membership in 2021, as well as an ERC Consolidator grant, an ERC Advanced grant, a Wellcome Investigator Award, and a Wellcome Discovery Award.

Reflecting on her new role, Beatriz Rico says, “DANDRITE is a young and exciting centre with outstanding group leaders. I hope to contribute as an advisor by helping shape the Institute’s future, supporting ongoing research, and fostering the next generation of scientists.”

As a long-standing group leader with over 20 years of experience and extensive participation in SABs, grant panels, and recruitment committees, Rico brings valuable expertise in mentoring junior group leaders, postdocs, and PhD students. She emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive research culture, which she sees as key to scientific success and enjoyment.

DANDRITE welcomes Beatriz Rico’s contributions in guiding research strategy, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of neuroscientists. She will participate in her first SAB meeting in May 2026.

• Read more about Beatriz Rico's research
• See all members of DANDRITE's Scientific Advisory Board