Sandra Acosta

Dr. Sandra Acosta is a neurodevelopmental biologist with a strong track record in the field of stem cell-derived organoids and neurological disease modeling. 
Her lab studies how the human brain develops in both healthy conditions and neurological disorders like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. To do this, they use brain organoids—miniature lab-grown models of the brain. These organoids mimic the human brain’s complexity, helping researchers track how diseases start and explore potential new drug treatments to slow or stop their progression.
Dr. Acosta’s scientific background pivots between genomics and disease modelling, a singular vision to understand brain disorders from a multidisciplinary approach. Evidence of this approach is reflected in the publication of scientific articles using brain organoids, multiomics and Artificial intelligence tools. This vision has enabled the participation in multiple national and international collaborations, and significant research grants. 

Current research duties:

• Group Leader of the Brain Disorders Models Research Group (BBRC).
• Group Leader of the Brain Disorders Models Research Group (Institut Recerca Hospital Sant Joan de Déu).
• Assistant professor in Anatomy and Embryology at University of Barcelona.

Professional duties:

• Serra-Hunter Assistant Professor in Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics and head of the Functional Neurogenomics group at Universitat de Barcelona Bellvitge’s School of Medicine (Since 2021).
• Member of the Direction Committee at the Societat Catalana de Biologia (SINCE 2022).
• Member of the Scientific Board of the Guerreros Purpura and of the International Dravet Syndrome and Refractory Epilepsies Network (INDRE) associations (Since 2019).

Previous professional duties:

• Senior Scientist, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain (2018-2021).
• Postdoctoral, Northwesten University, United States of America (2015-2018).
• Postdoctoral Fellow, St Jude Hospital, United States of America (2014-2015).
• Postdoctoral fellow, Universite Libre Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium (2009-2012).

Academic Background:

• PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (2009).
• MSc in Experimental Biology, Universitat de Barcelona (2005).
• Degree in Biology, specialising in Health Biology, University of Barcelona (2004).