Cell Migration in Development

Roberto Mayor is a distinguished developmental biologist renowned for his pioneering research in cell migration and its role in embryonic development. Born in Chile, he pursued his undergraduate and completed his PhD in Chile working on mouse embryo development. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Mayor embarked on postdoctoral research at The National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom, where he delved deeper into the molecular and cellular dynamics of neural crest development.

In the early 2000s, Dr. Mayor joined University College London (UCL) as a faculty member, where he has since made significant contributions to our understanding of how cells migrate, particularly the neural crest cells. He is currently Professor of Developmental and Cellular Neurobiology at UCL. His research has elucidated the intricate signaling pathways and mechanical forces that guide cells to their correct positions in the developing embryo, providing insights that have implications beyond developmental biology, extending to cancer research and tissue engineering.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mayor has published extensively in prestigious scientific journals, contributing seminal papers that have advanced the field of developmental biology. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, such as International Scholar of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), EMBO member, Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) and member of the Latin American Academy of Sciences. He is Editor in Chief of the journals Cells & Development and Gene Expression.

In addition to his research, Dr. Mayor is a dedicated educator and mentor, committed to training the next generation of scientists. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia. His passion for teaching and mentorship is evident in his involvement with various scientific societies and his participation in international courses.

Roberto Mayor’s career is a testament to his enduring commitment to scientific excellence and his significant contributions to developmental biology. Through his groundbreaking research and dedication to mentorship, he has left an indelible mark on the field, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex phenomena that govern cell migration and development.