Cécile Charrier

Cécile Charrier is a Professor at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, leading the research team 'Development and Plasticity of Synapses' at the Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS). Her work focuses on understanding how molecular pathways linked to human evolution shape synapse development and plasticity in the neocortex. She employs multidisciplinary approaches, including mouse and human models, sparse in vivo manipulations, proteomics, electrophysiology, and advanced microscopy techniques.

Her research explores fundamental principles common to all mammals while uncovering human-specific synaptic regulations. Notable projects include investigating trans-synaptic functions of glutamate receptors, the molecular basis of human synapse specialization, and the role of CTNND2 in synaptic maturation. She currently leads an ERC-funded initiative hiring postdoctoral researchers starting in 2025.

Key publications highlight her contributions to synaptic plasticity, human neocortex evolution, and inhibitory synapse formation. Her lab uses cutting-edge tools like correlative light and electron microscopy to study synaptic ultrastructure and dynamics.