Dr Serena Barral

Biography

Dr. Serena Barral is a Lecturer at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London. After obtaining her PhD at the Neuroscience Doctoral School of Turin, Italy, Dr. Barral gained extensive expertise in induced pluripotent stem cells and the generation of neuronal cells while working at several international research institutions.

Her current research focuses on developing innovative platforms to investigate childhood neurological disorders using cutting-edge brain organoid models derived from patient-specific pluripotent stem cells. These models allow researchers to replicate key aspects of human brain development in the laboratory and to study how genetic and metabolic alterations disrupt neuronal growth and function. Her ultimate goal is to translate these insights into novel therapeutic approaches that can improve outcomes for young patients.

Beyond her research, Dr. Barral is committed to advancing education in stem cell–based neuroscience through her teaching role at UCL, her co-leadership of the Institute’s Stem Cell Initiative, and the development of specialized short courses. Through these combined efforts, she aims to accelerate progress in paediatric neuroscience and foster the next generation of researchers in the field.