Richard Baines

Richard Baines is a Professor of Neuroscience and Head of Division at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. His research focuses on neural circuit development, epilepsy mechanisms, and magnetosensitivity using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. Key projects include understanding electrical excitability in neurons and developing antiepileptic drugs through homeostatic regulators like Pumilio. He leads the Baines Lab, which explores critical periods in neural development and their implications for neurological disorders. His work integrates genetics, electrophysiology, and pharmacology, with contributions to optogenetics and magnetogenetics. He has held roles including Lecturer at the University of Warwick and editorial positions in journals like Invertebrate Neuroscience.

Research highlights include identifying Pumilio's role in seizure homeostasis, screening compounds for antiepileptic effects, and investigating Cryptochrome's magnetoreceptive properties. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing neural circuit tuning and epilepsy pathogenesis. His lab also explores mitochondrial signaling and synaptic plasticity during critical developmental windows.