Richard Benton

Richard Benton is a Full Professor at the Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne. He leads a research group focusing on the structure, function, and evolution of nervous systems, particularly the olfactory system in Drosophila. His work integrates bioinformatics, genetics, and behavioral analysis to study chemosensory receptors, neural circuit evolution, and ecological specialization. Key achievements include the discovery of Ionotropic Receptors (IRs) as insect olfactory receptors and identification of mechanisms underlying circadian plasticity and odor-guided behaviors.

Education: PhD from the University of Cambridge (2003), postdoctoral fellowship at Rockefeller University. Joined UNIL in 2007 as Assistant Professor, promoted to Full Professor in 2018. Awards include the National Latsis Prize (2015) and Royal Society Fellowship (2021).

Research Themes:

• Chemosensory receptor evolution and function
• Neurodevelopmental plasticity of olfactory circuits
• Ecological specialization in Drosophila sechellia

Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation, ERC Grants (Starting/Consolidator/Advanced), EMBO, HFSP.