Lucia will join 27 life scientists selected for this year’s competitive programme, which supports young group leaders in Europe and beyond. The successful researchers become part of an international network of nearly 800 scientists. They receive an award of 15,000 euros and benefit from training in laboratory leadership and responsible conduct of research, access to core facilities at EMBL in Germany, and mentoring by EMBO members.  

Lucia's research

Lucia leads the Crick's Neural Circuits and Evolution lab, which aims to understand how neural networks in the brain evolve by looking at different species. 

Her lab uses a wide range of scientific techniques across different species of flies, which allow the scientists to make maps of neuronal connections, measure the activity of nerve cells, and monitor fly behaviour in the lab, particularly focusing on their sense of smell.

By investigating the genetic, physical, and behavioural differences between fruit fly species, Lucia and her team can begin to understand how aspects of the nervous system have evolved over time, to uncover general principles of how all brains evolve, including our own.

Answering these questions will ultimately give us insight into how our own brain evolved and works and might help inform strategies of how to precisely modify it when things go wrong in diseases. 

Lucia’s research is currently featured in our Hello Brain! exhibition, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the importance of smell in motivating behaviour. 

Lucia said: 

I am really excited to have been selected for the EMBO Young Investigator Programme. It is an amazing recognition to the work everyone in my lab is doing and I look forward to being part of the EMBO network.

EMBO Director, Fiona Watt, said: 

EMBO welcomes the new young investigators, a group of exceptional scientists who represent innovation and excellence in their fields. The multidisciplinary EMBO Young Investigator Network that they will join generates many opportunities for forming connections. We are delighted to support this next generation of scientific leaders and the collaborations they will form.

Read about the 27 scientists selected for EMBO's Young Investigator Programme this year.