News from the Retinal Stem Cell Research group

A tribute to a passionate neuroscientist, unforgettable colleague, and a true friend!

In March 2025, we sadly lost a cherished and invaluable colleague and dear friend, Professor Evelyne Sernagor. Her tireless dedication to teaching and research shaped neuroscience at Newcastle for three decades.

Born in France, Professor Sernagor earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She went on to hold prestigious positions as an Associate Scientist at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco and as a Visiting Fellow at the National Institutes of Health before making Newcastle University her academic home in 1995.

At Newcastle, her groundbreaking research focused on cellular neurophysiology, neural plasticity, and retinal neurobiology. She made significant contributions to understanding how early neural activity shapes the maturation of retinal ganglion cells and explored retinal function in adult mice. In close collaboration with her team, we led the development of light-responsive retinal organoids and proof-of-concept therapies for inherited retinal dystrophies, paving the way for future treatments.

Professor Sernagor’s impact on neuroscience was profound, with her work cited over 4,700 times, reflecting the depth and significance of her research. She was a highly respected and active member of the Society for Neuroscience and the British Neuroscience Association.

Professor Evelyne Sernagor’s commitment to neuroscience extended far beyond her own research—she was a true mentor, advocate, and friend to early-career neuroscientists, particularly those from Africa. Her unwavering dedication was evident in her long-standing role as a Faculty Member and co-organiser of the IBRO Teaching Tools Workshop, a transformative annual training initiative she helped sustain for 17 years. Through this program, she empowered young researchers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advance neuroscience in their home countries.

Her passion for fostering global scientific collaboration also shone through her leadership in organising the IBRO Alumni Symposium at the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) conferences. There, she created opportunities for emerging African neuroscientists to showcase their work, connect with the broader scientific community, and build lasting professional relationships.

Beyond her brilliant scientific mind, Professor Evelyne Sernagor was a woman of immense warmth, curiosity, and passion for life. She found great joy in cooking, often bringing people together over delicious homemade meals that reflected her multicultural background. Whether experimenting with new recipes or preparing her favourite dishes, she saw food as a way to connect with others and share in life’s simple pleasures.

But perhaps her greatest gift was her ability to forge meaningful friendships wherever she went. Evelyne’s kindness, generosity, and infectious energy made her a cherished friend to many across the globe. She had an extraordinary ability to uplift and inspire those around her, offering not only mentorship and support but also a deep and genuine camaraderie. Her friendships were built on shared laughter, engaging conversations, and an unwavering dedication to those she cared about.

Evelyne lived fully, embracing every opportunity for discovery, connection, and joy. Her adventurous soul and compassionate heart will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.