Oscar Marín, Director of the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology and the MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, is the recipient of this year’s ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award. The Award is an annual prize given by the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP) and recognises distinguished research in both applied and translational neuroscience.

This year, the Award has been made to Professor Marín in recognition of his influential discoveries which have advanced our understanding of how the cerebral cortex develops and have far reaching implications for our understanding of how cognition, emotion, and behaviour arise. Professor Marín’s work over the last two decades has not only revolutionised our understanding of cortical development but has been enormously influential on our understanding of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. His lab’s work on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the cerebral cortex, for example, has yielded important insights into how autism spectrum conditions and intellectual disabilities may arise, and consequently, how they can be treated.

Oscar Marín said of his award:

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to receive the ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award 2023. This recognition is a testament to the work of present and past members of our laboratory, as well as the collaborative efforts of many colleagues at King’s and beyond. As we continue to uncover the complex neurobiological mechanisms underlying mental illness, our work is inspired by the potential of developing innovative treatments to improve the lives of those suffering from psychiatric disorders. I am convinced that advancing our understanding of the developing brain will lead to new therapies that can transform patient care.”

Professor Marín will officially receive the Award at the 36th ECNP Congress in October in Barcelona, Spain, and will deliver the ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award plenary lecture at the meeting.