Tsien Receives Julius Axelrod Prize
For immediate release.
TSIEN RECEIVES JULIUS AXELROD PRIZE
Scientist recognized for distinguished achievements and exemplary efforts in mentoring
NEW ORLEANS — The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) awarded the Julius Axelrod Prize to Richard W. Tsien, D Phil, of New York University Langone Medical Center, during Neuroscience 2012, the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting and the world’s largest source of emerging news about brain science and health. The prize recognizes exceptional achievements in neuropharmacology or a related field and exemplary efforts in mentoring young scientists. It is supported by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation and includes a $25,000 award.
“Dr. Tsien has made significant contributions to our knowledge of how the brain stores and transmits information,” said Moses V. Chao, PhD, president of SfN. “Additionally, Dr. Tsien is recognized for his ongoing commitment to training the next generation of leaders in neuroscience.”
Tsien has contributed richly to what neuroscientists currently understand about cellular signaling. He played a central role in discovering and classifying diverse types of calcium channels, including those most critical to brain function. Tsien’s insights into the basic mechanisms of ion channel function, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling have helped define modern neuropharmacology.
For more than 40 years, Tsien has also served as a mentor to numerous young scientists who have gone on to become leaders in neuroscience throughout the world. Tsien earned his doctorate in biophysics at Oxford University. He is currently a professor at NYU Langone Medical Center and serving as the first director of the center’s Neuroscience Institute.
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. His well-known work on brain chemistry led to current treatments for depression and anxiety disorders and played a key role in the discovery of the pain-relieving properties of acetaminophen. Throughout his career, Axelrod mentored dozens of young scientists, many of whom 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 42,000 basic scientists and clinicians who study the brain and nervous system.
