Juan Lerma Gomez

Dr. Juan Lerma Gomez serves as Director of the Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante (CSIC-UMH) since 2007, holding the highest research rank of Profesor de Investigación at Spain's National Research Council (CSIC). His leadership extends internationally as Secretary General-elect of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) and Chairman of IBRO's PanEuropean Regional Committee.

His pioneering research focuses on glutamate receptor structure and function, particularly kainate receptors that mediate over 90% of excitatory neurotransmission. Key contributions include: discovering functional kainate receptors in central neurons, developing pharmacological tools for their isolation, and demonstrating their dual signaling capability through both ion channels and G-protein cascades. This work established kainate receptors' critical role in neuronal excitability and epileptogenesis.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent focus on receptor pharmacology, synaptic transmission mechanisms, and neurological disorder pathways, with increasing emphasis on receptor-cytoskeleton interactions and cortical circuit development in recent years.

• Distinction to Scientific Merit, Valencia Community (2013)
• Highest distinction to investigative career, San Marcos University (2010)
• Member, European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2000)
• XI 'Alberto Sols' Award for research excellence (2005)
• Santiago Grisolía Chair Award (2002)

As Director of the CSIC-UMH neuroscience institute, he oversees substantial research infrastructure and European collaborations. His laboratory has produced over 5,700 citations with an H-index of 40, featuring frequent publications in Neuron, PNAS, and Nature Neuroscience. Current work examines CRMP2-kainate receptor interactions in neuronal maturation and Nrg1 signaling in cortical circuit development, maintaining leadership in molecular neuroscience.