Ritsuko Akagi is a fictional character from the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. She serves as the head scientist at NERV, the organization responsible for combating mysterious beings known as Angels. Ritsuko is highly intelligent and skilled in her field, often working closely with the series' protagonist, Shinji Ikari. Ritsuko has a complex personality, marked by her dedication to her work and her struggles with personal relationships. She is also known for her connection to Misato Katsuragi, the operations director at NERV, and her complicated history with her mother, Naoko Akagi, who was a pioneer in the development of the Evangelion units.