Neuroscientists

Francis Crick, an English molecular biologist, biophysicist, and neuroscientist, is known for his groundbreaking work in deciphering the helical structure of DNA. His 1953 paper with James Watson in Nature was fundamental in understanding DNA structure. Alongside Maurice Wilkins, they received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1962. Crick introduced the term "central dogma" to describe the flow of genetic information. In later years, he shifted his focus to theoretical neurobiology and research on human consciousness at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.

Alexandra Asanovna Elbakyan is a Kazakhstani computer programmer known for creating Sci-Hub, a website that offers free access to research papers regardless of copyright restrictions. She has gained recognition as "Science's Pirate Queen" for her role in enabling access to a vast amount of scholarly literature. Elbakyan's impact on the scientific community was highlighted when she was named one of the top ten individuals who have influenced science by Nature in 2016. She has been residing in Russia since 2011.

John Cunningham Lilly was a versatile professional who achieved success in several fields including medicine, neuroscience, philosophy, and invention. He is well-known for creating the isolation tank in the 1950s, which he utilized to investigate human consciousness. Lilly also conducted research on dolphin communication, establishing research centers for this purpose. His interests extended to experimenting with psychedelics, which influenced Hollywood films and a popular video game series. Overall, his work sparked controversy and inspired many people during his career.

Wilder Penfield was a groundbreaking neurosurgeon known for his advancements in brain surgery techniques, specifically for his research on mapping brain functions such as the cortical homunculus. His work in neural stimulation and studies on hallucinations, illusions, dissociation, and déjà vu were significant scientific contributions. Penfield's focus on mental processes led him to explore the scientific foundations of the human soul. His research and innovations continue to influence the field of neuroscience, reshaping our knowledge of the brain and consciousness.

Eric Kandel, an Austrian-born American medical doctor specializing in psychiatry, is a well-known neuroscientist and distinguished professor of biochemistry and biophysics at Columbia University. He received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his innovative research on the physiological mechanisms of memory storage in neurons, which he shared with Arvid Carlsson and Paul Greengard. Kandel serves as a Senior Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and was the inaugural director of Columbia University's Center for Neurobiology and Behavior. Additionally, he is a member of the Scientific Council of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

Antonio Damasio is an esteemed Portuguese neuroscientist currently holding the David Dornsife Chair in Neuroscience at the University of Southern California. He serves as a Professor of Psychology, Philosophy, and Neurology at the same institution, as well as an adjunct professor at the Salk Institute. Previously, Damasio was the chair of neurology at the University of Iowa for twenty years. He is the leader of the Brain and Creativity Institute and is well-known for his research on the impact of emotions on social cognition and decision-making, particularly highlighted in his significant work "Self Comes to Mind: Constructing the Conscious Brain".

Donald Olding Hebb was a Canadian psychologist known for his significant contributions to neuropsychology. He is most famous for his theory of Hebbian learning, as detailed in his influential book "The Organization of Behavior." Widely regarded as the father of neuropsychology and neural networks, Hebb's research was centered on exploring the functioning of neurons in connection to psychological processes, particularly learning. He emphasized the crucial role of connections between neuron assemblies in elucidating cognitive processes, establishing his lasting impact as a prominent figure in the field of psychology.

John O'Keefe is a renowned American-British neuroscientist, psychologist, and professor recognized for his groundbreaking discovery of place cells in the hippocampus and their temporal coding via theta phase precession. He currently holds a professorship at the Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour at University College London. O'Keefe received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014, sharing the honor with May-Britt Moser and Edvard Moser for his significant contributions to the field. In addition to his Nobel recognition, O'Keefe has been the recipient of numerous other prestigious awards and holds a part-time chair at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Paul Montgomery Churchland is a Canadian philosopher known for his contributions to neurophilosophy and the philosophy of mind. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh under Wilfrid Sellars and became a full professor at the University of Manitoba. Later, he held the Valtz Family Endowed Chair in Philosophy at the University of California, San Diego, with appointments in the Institute for Neural Computation and the Cognitive Science Faculty. Currently, he is Professor Emeritus at UCSD and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Moscow Center for Consciousness Studies.

May-Britt Moser, a distinguished Norwegian psychologist and neuroscientist, currently holds the position of Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). She, along with her former husband Edvard Moser, received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for their pioneering research on grid cells and other brain cell types involved in spatial representation. They co-founded and oversee the Moser research environment at NTNU, where Moser also leads the Centre for Neural Computation. Her illustrious career includes earning a PhD in neurophysiology and being promoted to a professor of neuroscience, with her research group achieving recognition as a separate "centre of excellence."

Franz Josef Gall was a German neuroanatomist and physiologist who conducted groundbreaking research on the localization of mental functions in the brain. He is recognized as the founder of phrenology, a field that influenced the emergence of psychology and the naturalistic study of humans. Gall's work also contributed to the development of evolutionary theories, anthropology, and sociology. Although considered pseudoscience, his contributions to neuropsychology were impactful during his era.

Karl Deisseroth is a highly regarded American scientist and professor at Stanford University. He is known for his innovative work in bioengineering and psychiatry, particularly in the development of advanced technologies like hydrogel-tissue chemistry and optogenetics. These advancements have transformed the understanding of neural circuit function in healthy and diseased conditions. Deisseroth's research in molecular and optical tools for manipulating neuronal signals has led to his membership in prestigious organizations such as the US National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Medicine.

Brenda Milner is a renowned British-Canadian neuropsychologist celebrated for her significant contributions to clinical neuropsychology research. She currently holds a professorship in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University and the Montreal Neurological Institute. Milner is highly regarded for her research on the involvement of temporal lobes in episodic memory and is considered a pioneer in the field of neuropsychology. She has been honored with numerous awards, including the Balzan Prize for Cognitive Neuroscience and the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience.

Michael A. Persinger was a respected psychology professor at Laurentian University from 1971 until his passing in 2018. He was known for his research on the role of temporal lobes in mystical experiences, geomagnetic activity in parapsychological phenomena, and tectonic strain in luminous aerial phenomena. Persinger also studied electromagnetic field effects on biological organisms, epilepsy, biophotons, and geophysical-human interactions. He authored over 500 scientific articles, book chapters, and co-authored a book on unusual events and phenomena.

David Servan-Schreiber was a distinguished French physician, neuroscientist, and author who made significant contributions to the fields of psychiatry and medicine. He served as a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and was a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. His work led to important advancements in the understanding of the human brain and mental health, continuing to inspire and educate professionals in the medical and scientific communities globally.

Sir John Carew Eccles was a distinguished Australian neurophysiologist and philosopher recognized for his pioneering research on the synapse. His remarkable work in the field led to him being jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1963 with Andrew Huxley and Alan Lloyd Hodgkin. Sir John Eccles' profound expertise and discoveries have significantly advanced our comprehension of the nervous system and synaptic transmission, establishing him as a trailblazer in the field of neuroscience.

Baroness Greenfield, a distinguished English scientist, writer, broadcaster, and member of the House of Lords, has made substantial contributions to the fields of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neuroscience of consciousness, and the effects of technology on the brain. She has held prestigious positions such as senior research fellow at Lincoln College, Oxford, and professor of Synaptic Pharmacology. Baroness Greenfield has also served as chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, director of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, and is the co-founder and CEO of the biotech company Neuro-bio Ltd.

Edvard Ingjald Moser is a prominent Norwegian psychologist and neuroscientist currently serving as a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014 for his groundbreaking research on the brain's positioning system, alongside his collaborator May-Britt Moser and mentor John O'Keefe. Moser's expertise lies in the study of grid cells and place cells, specialized neurons crucial for spatial navigation. He has established and led multiple research groups and centers focused on neuroscience, establishing himself as a leading figure in the field.

Endel Tulving was a renowned experimental psychologist and cognitive neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking work on human memory. His research notably distinguished between semantic and episodic memory. Tulving held a professorship at the University of Toronto and later became the inaugural Anne and Max Tanenbaum Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Rotman Research Institute. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006.

Paul Greengard was a notable American neuroscientist recognized for his innovative research on the molecular and cellular processes that govern neuronal activities. His partnership with Arvid Carlsson and Eric Kandel resulted in the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for their significant findings on signal transduction within the nervous system. Greengard served as the Vincent Astor Professor at Rockefeller University and made substantial contributions to initiatives like the Cure Alzheimer's Fund and the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, shaping the landscape of neuroscience.

Arvid Carlsson, a Swedish neuropharmacologist, made significant advancements in researching the neurotransmitter dopamine and its role in Parkinson's disease. His work enhanced our understanding of dopamine's functions in the brain, making valuable contributions to neuroscience. Carlsson's groundbreaking research earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000, which he shared with Eric Kandel and Paul Greengard. His commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing the treatment of neurological disorders had a lasting influence on the medical field.

Mahmut Gazi Yaşargil, a renowned Turkish medical scientist and neurosurgeon, is celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to microneurosurgery. His innovative work in collaboration with Raymond M. P. Donaghy at the University of Vermont focused on the treatment of epilepsy and brain tumors using advanced surgical instruments. From 1953 to 1993, Yaşargil held various positions at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Zurich and the Zurich University Hospital, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exceptional neurosurgeons of the modern era. In 1999, he was recognized as "Neurosurgery’s Man of the Century" for his significant impact on the field.

Martin Lee Chalfie is a distinguished American scientist and University Professor at Columbia University. He holds a PhD in neurobiology from Harvard University and in 2008, he received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his crucial role in the discovery and advancement of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) along with Osamu Shimomura and Roger Y. Tsien. Chalfie's work in molecular biology has been instrumental in harnessing the potential of GFP as a powerful tool for biological research.

Roderick MacKinnon is a renowned American biophysicist, neuroscientist, and businessman recognized for his pioneering research on ion channels. He is a professor of molecular neurobiology and biophysics at Rockefeller University. In 2003, MacKinnon was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Peter Agre for his investigations into the structure and function of ion channels. His work has greatly enhanced our comprehension of how these channels function, with significant implications for fields such as neuroscience and pharmacology.

Henry Markram is a well-known neuroscientist recognized for his research at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. He is a professor and the director of the Blue Brain Project, a research endeavor dedicated to simulating the mammalian brain. Additionally, Markram founded the Human Brain Project, which is focused on enhancing the understanding of the human brain through various research activities. His leadership and contributions to neuroscience have led to notable advancements in the study and simulation of intricate brain functions.

Miguel Nicolelis is a distinguished Brazilian scientist and physician, holding the position of Professor in Neuroscience at Duke University's School of Medicine. He is renowned for his pioneering research in brain-computer interface technology, also referred to as "brain-machine interface." Nicolelis has played a key role in enhancing our knowledge of neural mechanisms and creating inventive technologies that connect the brain with external devices. His contributions have significantly influenced the realms of neuroscience and neurotechnology.

Michael I. Posner is a renowned American psychologist recognized for his research in the area of attention. He is an emeritus professor of psychology at the University of Oregon and also serves as an adjunct professor at the Weill Medical College in New York. Posner has edited several cognitive and neuroscience compilations and was ranked as the 56th most cited psychologist of the 20th century in a survey published by the Review of General Psychology in 2002.

Georg von Békésy, a Hungarian-American biophysicist, conducted pioneering research on the cochlea's function in mammalian hearing. Using innovative techniques such as strobe photography and silver flakes as markers, he observed how the basilar membrane responds to sound stimulation, elucidating the processing of different sound frequencies in the cochlea. His work revealed how sound wave frequencies are localized in specific cochlear regions before stimulating nerve fibers to transmit signals to the brain. In 1961, he received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to understanding auditory physiology.

Emil du Bois-Reymond, a prominent German physiologist, was known for his significant contributions to the field of electrophysiology. He co-discovered the nerve action potential, a crucial advancement in understanding the nervous system. Du Bois-Reymond's expertise and lectures on science and culture earned him widespread recognition and respect during the latter part of the 19th century. His work not only advanced the understanding of physiological processes but also had a lasting impact on the intellectual landscape of his time, solidifying his legacy as a pioneering figure in the scientific community.

Eleanor Anne Maguire is a renowned Irish neuroscientist recognized for her expertise in cognitive neuroscience. Serving as a Professor at University College London since 2007, she focuses on memory and spatial navigation research. Maguire also holds the distinguished role of Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow at the university. Her research has greatly enhanced knowledge of brain processes related to memory and spatial information, positioning her as a prominent figure in neuroscience.

Victor Horsley was a distinguished British scientist and professor who studied medicine at University College London and in Berlin. He began his career as a house surgeon and registrar at University College Hospital and went on to hold prestigious positions such as Professor-Superintendent of the Brown Institute and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the National Hospital for Paralysis and Epilepsy. Additionally, Horsley served as a Professor of Pathology and Clinical Surgery at University College London. He was recognized for his support of women's suffrage and his stance against tobacco and alcohol.

Nathaniel Kleitman was an influential American physiologist and sleep researcher recognized as the father of modern sleep research. He served as Professor Emeritus in Physiology at the University of Chicago. Kleitman's notable contributions include his essential work "Sleep and Wakefulness" published in 1939, considered a fundamental text in the field. He conducted pioneering research on sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and the consequences of sleep deprivation, greatly influencing the understanding of sleep physiology and its implications for human health.

Tatyana Chernigovskaya is a renowned scientist in the fields of neuroscience and psycholinguistics, known for her groundbreaking contributions. She initiated the first open training specialization in Psycholinguistics and has advanced the theory of mind, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of cognitive processes. Her accomplishments have led to her being honored as a distinguished scientist and appointed to the Council on Science and Education under the President of the Russian Federation, underscoring her significant impact on academic research and discourse in Russia.

Marie Jean Pierre Flourens was a prominent French physiologist acclaimed for his revolutionary research in experimental brain science and anesthesia. He is renowned as a trailblazer in studying brain and nervous system functions through precise experiments. Flourens' work has been instrumental in shaping modern neuroscience and advancing our understanding of brain functions and anesthesia methods. His innovative approaches continue to be influential and inspiring to scientists in the field.

Hiroshi Nakajima was a notable Japanese doctor who served as the Director-General of the World Health Organization. Throughout his leadership, he introduced several health initiatives and policies to enhance global health outcomes. Nakajima was known for his emphasis on disease prevention, health promotion, and the improvement of healthcare systems internationally. He played a crucial role in tackling public health issues and promoting universal access to healthcare services. Nakajima's efforts had a profound influence on the field of global health and established a lasting legacy within the WHO.

Suzanne Corkin was a distinguished American neuroscience professor at MIT, with a specialization in neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience. She was known for her research on human memory, particularly focusing on patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amnesia. Corkin gained acclaim for her extensive studies on H.M., a man with profound memory loss whom she began researching in 1962 until his passing in 2008. Her work greatly enhanced our understanding of memory processes and neurological disorders, establishing her as a prominent scholar in the field.

Patricia Goldman-Rakic was a distinguished American professor recognized for her innovative research in neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, and psychology at Yale University School of Medicine. She gained acclaim for her interdisciplinary studies centered on the prefrontal cortex and working memory. Throughout her career, she was committed to enhancing our comprehension of the intricate functions of the brain, making a significant mark on the realms of neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Her pioneering work remains influential in shaping research and clinical approaches in these fields.

Fred "Rusty" Gage is an American geneticist known for his pioneering identification of stem cells in the adult human brain. He led the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and held the Vi and John Adler Chair for Research on Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disease. Gage's work centers on the flexibility of the adult central nervous system in mammals, offering promising avenues for treating conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and spinal cord injuries from trauma.

Manfred Joshua Sakel, an Austrian-Jewish neurophysiologist and psychiatrist who later became an Austrian-American, is celebrated for creating insulin shock therapy in 1927. This groundbreaking treatment transformed the management of mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Sakel's method entailed inducing hypoglycemic coma in patients via insulin injections, resulting in notable enhancements in their condition. His pioneering work reshaped the landscape of psychiatry, introducing novel approaches to addressing mental disorders and solidifying his status as a trailblazer in neurophysiology and psychiatric medicine.

Sabina Brennan is a skilled Irish neuroscientist and psychologist who also has experience in television acting. Currently serving as an adjunct assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, she brings valuable expertise to the field of neuroscience. Through her research and teaching, Brennan makes important contributions to the academic community. Her varied professional background enriches her role, providing students with a unique perspective and advancing knowledge in neuroscience.

Berta Vogel Scharrer was a prominent American scientist known for co-founding the field of neuroendocrinology. Her groundbreaking research greatly enhanced our knowledge of the connection between the nervous system and the endocrine system. Scharrer's studies concentrated on the influence of hormones on different physiological functions, particularly in the context of brain function and behavior. Her significant contributions continue to influence the field of neuroscience, guiding our understanding of how hormones impact the brain and body.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam is a renowned neuroscientist and human rights advocate based in Norway. Throughout his career, he has been committed to furthering neuroscience research and championing various human rights causes. His notable contributions to the scientific community are evident in his research and publications. Mahmood also actively raises awareness about human rights issues, with a particular focus on marginalized communities. His professional endeavors reflect a deep dedication to both scientific progress and social justice.

Daniela Schiller is a leading neuroscientist who leads the Affective Neuroscience Lab at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She is widely acclaimed for her research on memory reconsolidation, particularly in exploring how emotional learning and memory can be altered. Schiller's work has made a significant impact on understanding memory formation and modification. Her expertise in affective neuroscience has resulted in groundbreaking discoveries that have enhanced the scientific community's understanding of memory processes and emotional responses.

Michal Schwartz, a distinguished professor of neuroimmunology at the Weizmann Institute of Science, specializes in neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focuses on utilizing the immune system to address brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Schwartz has highlighted the immune system's critical role in preserving brain health, facilitating recovery, and defending against injury and illness. She is known for introducing the concept of protective autoimmunity and revealing how the immune system contributes to repair and neurogenesis. As the chair of the International Society of Neuroimmunology, Schwartz continues to spearhead innovative research, receiving accolades such as the prestigious Israel Prize for Life Sciences in 2023.

Sandra Freedman Witelson is a prominent Canadian neuroscientist recognized for her groundbreaking research on various aspects of brain anatomy and function. She gained widespread acclaim for her in-depth analysis of Albert Einstein's brain specimens and has extensively studied differences in brain structure and function related to gender, handedness, and sexual orientation. Witelson is renowned for overseeing the world's largest collection of "cognitively normal" brains at McMaster University, contributing significantly to the field of neuroscience with her extensive research and expertise.

Robert Carl Galambos was an American neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research on how bats utilize echolocation for navigation and the processing of sound in the brain. He conducted experiments on bats at Harvard University and collaborated with Nobel Prize winner David H. Hubel. Galambos worked with Donald Griffin on animal echolocation studies, using innovative sound capture technology and pioneering methods to monitor brain responses. His research contributed to the development of hearing tests for infants, auditory brainstem implants, and cochlear implants for the profoundly deaf.

Louis Sokoloff was a prominent American neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research in functional brain imaging. He made substantial advancements in understanding brain metabolism and function, leading to the development of techniques for measuring brain blood flow and metabolism with significant clinical applications. Sokoloff received multiple prestigious awards, including the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award and the NAS Award in the Neurosciences. His extensive publications and contributions continue to shape the field of neuroscience.