Sharif Naeini and Tashiro Receive the Gruber International Research Award in Neuroscience
For immediate release.
SHARIF-NAEINI AND TASHIRO RECEIVE THE GRUBER INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AWARD IN NEUROSCIENCE
Recognizes young scientists who have demonstrated and continue to exhibit ongoing international collaboration based on outstanding science
Washington, DC — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) today awarded the Peter and Patricia Gruber International Research Award in Neuroscience to Reza Sharif-Naeini, PhD, of the Institut de Pharmacologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France and Ayumu Tashiro, PhD, of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Kavli Institute). Awarded during Neuroscience 2008, the SfN annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news on brain science and health, the award is supported by the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation. The award includes $25,000 to each recipient and allows promising young neuroscientists of all nationalities the opportunity to pursue education and research at a center of excellence in their field.
“Solving the big mysteries of the brain requires the effort of many, often working alone at night, all over the globe. This award recognizes the international cooperation required to harness knowledge that spans continents,” said Eve Marder, PhD, president of SfN.
Sharif-Naeini’s findings have greatly advanced understanding of the central mechanisms underlying changes in electrical properties of sensory neurons during chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. Tashiro’s research analyzes the dynamic patterns of activity that new neurons express during memory-related behavior. His findings have contributed to understanding the unique properties of young new neurons, where experience affects new circuit formation, resulting in a functional change in a part of the brain that may mediate learning and memory. Both researchers have demonstrated a diverse approach to scientific problems and a commitment to international collaborations.
The foundation also supports the Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation Neuroscience Prize to honor distinguished work in the field of the brain, nervous system, and spinal cord. In June 2008, John O'Keefe, PhD, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London, was announced as the recipient for “his pioneering work concerning the neural basis of complex cognitive functions in freely moving animals.” O’Keefe will receive the prize — a gold medal and $500,000 — on November 16 during Neuroscience 2008. He will deliver the Peter and Patricia Gruber Lecture entitled “The Role of Theta Oscillations in Spatial Processing in the Hippocampal Formation” immediately following the award ceremony.
The Society for Neuroscience is an organization of more than 38,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.
