Caroline Brennan

Prof Caroline Brennan is a Professor of Molecular Genetics and Interim Head of the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences at Queen Mary University of London. Her research focuses on using zebrafish as a model to study developmental and behavioral processes underlying psychiatric and metabolic disorders. Key interests include neurobiology, comparative cognition, addiction, and the genetic basis of behavior. She leads a multidisciplinary lab collaborating with human geneticists and evolutionary biologists to explore disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

Her work spans translational research, with grants from NIH, EU Horizon 2020, and the Leverhulme Trust. Notable contributions include studies on AIP deficiency in zebrafish, numeracy in fish, and the genetic basis of nicotine preference. She oversees a team of PhD students and postdocs, mentoring research in areas like stress responses, neurodegeneration, and environmental impacts on mental health.

Recent achievements include participation in the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition and leadership in international collaborations. Awards include Fellow of the Royal Society and membership in the Royal Society Industry Fellows' College.