Barbara Franke: Understanding the biological pathways from genes to altered behaviour in neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD – paving the way for improved understanding and care in psychiatry

In this Genomic Press Interview, Professor Barbara Franke, a trailblazing molecular psychiatrist at Radboud University in Nijmegen, shares her extraordinary scientific journey from an inquisitive child fascinated by nature to becoming one of the world's most influential researchers in biological psychiatry. With over 500 peer-reviewed publications and recognition among the top 1% most cited scientists globally, Franke has helped to revolutionize our understanding of the genetic foundations of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly ADHD. Bringing together international experts for interdisciplinary research, she founded and leads multiple international research consortia, including the International Multicentre persistent ADHD Collaboration (IMpACT) and the ECNP Network ADHD across the lifespan. Her pioneering work extends beyond gene identification to illuminating the biological pathways from genetic variations to altered behaviour, employing innovative complementary approaches including bioinformatics, brain imaging genetics, and experimental models using fruit flies and human induced pluripotent stem cells. An elected member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, decorated Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion, and recipient of numerous prestigious awards, Franke's scientific contributions are matched by her passionate commitment to international collaboration and mentorship of the next generation of researchers. Her recent move into epigenetics research, investigating the interplay between heritable and environmental influences on psychiatric conditions, illustrates her unwavering determination to contribute to a new nosology in psychiatry that will ultimately improve diagnosis, treatment, and management for millions worldwide. Guided by the German proverb “Die Suppe wird nicht so heiß gegessen, wie sie gekocht wird” (“The soup is not eaten as hot as it is cooked”), Franke's balanced approach to life and science continues to inspire groundbreaking advances at the intersection of genetics, neuroscience, and psychiatry.