AsianScientist (Jun. 17, 2016) – Poo Mu‐Ming, whose research has led to a greater understanding of synaptic plasticity in the brain, is the recipient of the 2016 Gruber Neuroscience Prize.
The Gruber International Prize Program recognizes excellence in science by highlighting fields with potential to create a better world, namely cosmology, genetics and neuroscience. The annual award comes with an unrestricted cash award of US$500,000 and a gold laureate pin.
Poo is currently the director of the Institute of Neuroscience at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai, China, and the Paul Licht Distinguished Professor in Biology Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley in the US.
In addition to his discoveries regarding synaptic plasticity, Poo has also made contributions in several other research areas, including neuronal polarization, the maturation of the neuromuscular junction, the molecular and cell mechanisms underlying axon guidance, and the neurotrophic regulation of synaptic functions. His research has shaped entire fields, including the use of nerve‐muscle cultures to study synaptic plasticity in vitro.
Poo has an outstanding record of service to the international research community, through his efforts in transforming the Institute of Neuroscience into a world-class research institute since 1999.
“He is an extraordinarily dedicated scientist,” said Dr. Robert Wurtz, chair of the Selection Advisory Board to the Prize. “The breadth of his impact on neuroscience has been exceptional, and he is much deserving of this award.”
———
Source: The Gruber Foundation; Photo: Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
