Burcin Ikiz

Bio

Burcin Ikiz, PhD, is a neuroscientist whose work explores how climate change, environmental degradation, and broader ecological crises affect brain health across the lifespan. Her research focuses on identifying the neurobiological and psychosocial impacts of climate-related stressors, such as air pollution, heat, displacement, and food insecurity, and translating these insights into public policy, prevention, community-based adaptation strategies, and planetary health solutions.

Dr. Ikiz is the Founder and Director of EcoNeuro, a research initiative that bridges neuroscience and the environment, and the Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group (NCWG), a global consortium comprising over 300 researchers, clinicians, and public health experts. NCWG was recently recognized by the World Economic Forum as one of the top global initiatives addressing the intersection of mental health and climate change. She is also the Co-Founder and President of Banyan Commons, a nonprofit action tank advancing ecological brain resilience.

In 2025, she was named a Grist 50 Climate Fixer, recognized among climate and justice leaders building equitable, science-driven futures. I advise international organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Council on Foreign Relations, and serve on scientific and advisory boards for leading climate and health initiatives, such as the Climate Mental Health Network and the Climate Cares Centre.

Her ongoing projects include developing a Brain Resilience Index and creating a landmark State-of-Science Report on climate change and brain health. She also leads international research and policy initiatives on heat, air pollution, brain aging, and neurodevelopment; has contributed to the State of Global Air 2025 report; and supports WHO efforts to develop training tools on air pollution, brain, and mental health. She is co-editing a forthcoming open-access book with MIT Press, Toward an Ecological and Green Neuroscience Universe. Dr. Ikiz is a frequent speaker at international policy forums, including the United Nations, COP, and World Bank thematic dialogues.

At Stanford, she contributes to transdisciplinary efforts linking psychiatry, neuroscience, and planetary health, with a focus on advancing brain health equity in an era of ecological change. She is also collaborating with Stanford’s CIRCLE Initiative, which spearheads community interventions for climate-related mental health.