Greenberg Receives $25,000 Julius Axelrod Prize

Scientist recognized for distinguished achievements in neurobiology, exemplary efforts in mentoring

CHICAGO — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) awarded the Julius Axelrod Prize to Michael Greenberg, PhD, of Harvard Medical School during Neuroscience 2009, the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news on brain science and health. Supported by Eli Lilly & Company, this prize, which includes $25,000, recognizes exceptional achievements in neuropharmacology (or a related field) and exemplary efforts in mentoring young scientists.

“It is an honor for us to recognize the outstanding work of Dr. Greenberg and his considerable contributions to the field of neuroscience, as well as his continued support of upcoming researchers,” said Thomas J. Carew, PhD, president of SfN.

Greenberg’s career of more than 30 years has helped to revolutionize the scientific understanding of the brain, particularly his discovery of a new class of genes called immediate early genes, which are vital for plasticity in the brain. Greenberg’s contributions to the field of molecular signaling have allowed many other researchers to explore brain function. Over the course of his career, Greenberg has trained more than 50 scientists, most of whom have gone on to careers with prestigious universities. Currently, he is the F.M. Kirby Professor of Neurology and Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Children’s Hospital Neurobiology Program, and has served on the editorial boards of eight scientific publications.

Julius Axelrod was a long-time member of SfN and shared the 1970 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the actions of neurotransmitters in regulating the metabolism of the nervous system. He is well known for work on brain chemistry that led to current treatments for depression and anxiety disorders and played a key role in the discovery of the pain-relieving properties of acetaminophen. Axelrod mentored dozens of young scientists throughout his career and many have gone on to have distinguished careers in neuroscience and pharmacology. He died in 2004 at age 92.

The Society for Neuroscience is an organization of more than 39,000 researchers and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.