Edward R. Perl
SfN Past President Edward R. Perl passed away on July 15th after a long life dedicated to science, education, and service at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Dr. Perl's lifelong contributions to the sciences include his groundbreaking work on the mechanism of pain. He was one of the founders of the Society for Neuroscience and served as its first president. He was the Chairman of the Department of Physiology where he established a vibrant and highly respected research team focused on neurosciences.
He was a dedicated teacher training over 7,000 medical and PhD students. Dr. Perl was the primary contributor to the establishment of the Perl/UNC Neuroscience Prize, honoring seminal achievement in the field of neuroscience. Since its inception, it has been awarded to today's most successful neuroscientists, including four who have gone on to receive the Nobel Award.
Dr. Perl touched many lives including those of his family and friends. He was — and remains — deeply respected for his scientific accomplishments and personal contributions to UNC and the community. He was an inspiration to all those around him. He is survived by his wife, children, granddaughters, countless mentees, physicians, and research associates. He will be sorely missed, and remembered dearly by all those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize, through the Medical Foundation of NC, 880 MLK Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
Read Edward Perl's chapter in The History of Neuroscience in Autobiography Volume 3.
