Burcin Ikiz, PhD

I am a neuroscientist with over 20 years of research and consulting experience in brain disorders and mental health. My work focuses on how climate change and environmental factors affect brain health, and how these insights can be translated into tangible global health solutions.

In 2023, I launched EcoNeuro, a research initiative dedicated to exploring the intersection of neuroscience and the environment. In 2024, I founded the International Neuro Climate Working Group, where I lead a network of over 150 scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and public health experts. Our group spearheads global research, advocacy, policy, and community efforts to address the effects of climate change on brain health and was recently recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the top five global initiatives tackling climate change and mental health.

I advise the World Health Organization and the Council on Foreign Relations on climate and global health and serve on the scientific advisory boards of several international organizations, including the Climate Mental Health Network (U.S.), the Climate Cares Centre (UK), and the Climate Clinic (Turkey). I am also a member of the Scientific Committee of the Yaoundé Declaration on African Leadership in Brain Diplomacy.

Recognized as a leading expert in brain health, I frequently provide insights and commentary across various international media platforms, including The Guardian and Bloomberg, as well as the leading radio stations of Australia and Canada. I speak regularly at global forums such as TEDx, the United Nations General Assembly, WHO conferences, and COP29. I also contribute as a writer to Psychology Today, and my work has been published in outlets such as Undark Magazine and Think Global Health, as well as numerous peer-reviewed scientific journals. 

Previously, I managed the metabolic psychiatry program at the Baszucki Group, developed research tools as a data scientist at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and led the motor neuron disease research program at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. These roles have shaped my interdisciplinary, patient-centered approach to research.

I earned a B.Sc. in Biomedical Computation from Stanford University and a Ph.D. in Neurobiology from Columbia University. I hold two patents from my postdoctoral research and received the Brunie Prize for my doctoral thesis. I have also participated in Columbia University’s Narrative Medicine Program and the On Deck Writer Fellowship.

I am currently working on a book project with MIT Press on ecological neuroscience and co-leading international projects focused on air pollution, heat, and brain health in vulnerable populations.

I am deeply committed to health equity, social justice, open science, and building community partnerships. I believe collective action, evidence-based solutions, and informed policy are essential to creating a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, photography, and spending time in nature with my family. In 2019, I completed a six-month artist residency at Ten Women Gallery in Santa Monica. I live in Los Angeles with my husband, our three children, and our puppy.