Brown scientist John P. Donoghue wins major neuroscience award

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — The K.J. Zülch Prize, Germany’s highest honor for basic neurological research, will be awarded to Brown University brain scientist John P. Donoghue at an Aug. 31, 2007 ceremony in Cologne, Germany.

The Zülch Prize recognizes outstanding achievements in basic neurological research. Donoghue was recognized for his research on how the brain translates thought into action. His work has resulted in a new brain implant that has allowed people with paralysis to move a computer cursor, control a wheelchair or operate a robotic arm – using thoughts alone.

Bestowed by the Gertrud Reemtsma Foundation through the Max Planck Society, a leader in science and technology research, the prize has been awarded to neuroscience innovators since 1990.

Past Zülch Prize winners include Nobel Laureate Stanley Prusiner, M.D., who discovered the infectious proteins known as prions; Nikos Logothetis, who pioneered functional magnetic resonance imaging in vision research; Sam Berkovic, who determined the genetic basis of epilepsy; and Fred Gage, who helped discover that the adult brain is capable of producing new cells.

Each year, two scientists receive the Zülch Prize. Donoghue shares the 2007 award with another neurotechnology leader, cochlear implant inventor Graeme Clark. As is customary, Donoghue and Clark will share the prize of 50,000 euros, about $68,300.

“John Donoghue’s work offers important insights into the human brain and how to tap its power to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injury and other severe motor impairments,” said Konstantin Hossmann, director of the Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne. “This is exceptional research that has the real power to change lives.”

John P. Donoghue

Donoghue, the Henry Merritt Wriston Professor and director of the Brain Science Program at Brown University, is a leader in neuroprosthesis research and development.

Donoghue’s laboratory work centers on understanding how networks of neurons represent and process complex information used in making skilled voluntary movement. Donoghue combined knowledge from his experiments with technical advances in brain recording developed in his lab to create a neurotechnology with a stunning promise – restoring movement to the paralyzed.