Three Britain professors have won the Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize

Three Britain professors Tim Bliss, Graham Collingridge and Richard Morris have won the Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research prize worth of 1 million Euros. This is the first time that the brain prize has all Britain names in the winners list.

FLASH POINTS

• Three scientists have won the Brain prize for their discovery of how memories are formed in the brain
• In 1900, scientists found connections between the nerve cells called synapses since then they were unable to discover how memories are formed
• The three researchers have shown how neurons in the hippocampus, the brain’s learning portal that enables humans to store information, collaborate and provide a basis for understanding how humans go about remembering
• They have shown how the connection between brain cells in the hippocampus can be strengthened through repeated stimulation, a phenomenon that is called long-term potentiation
• The scientists have also described the mechanisms behind the phenomenon and have proven that long-term potentiation is the very basis for humans’ ability to learn, remember and navigate their surroundings
• Their research results show that the brain is able to handle and adapt to new impressions and events, and this plasticity enables the brain to reorganize itself after damage such as stroke or sudden blindness

About Brain-prize

• Brain prize is given to researchers who have contributed to European Neuro science
• It was founded in 2011 by Lundbeck foundation
• The prize worth is 1 million Euros given to nominees from any country provided that their contribution is towards Europe