This award recognizes Jean-Pierre Changeux's outstanding scientific contribution and leadership in the field of neuroscience, particularly his pioneering contributions to the science and understanding of neuroreceptors over the last 50 years. He was responsible for the revolutionary discovery of the acetylcholine receptor as a model membrane receptor, one of the main regulatory mechanisms in biology, shedding new light on brain chemistry and, ultimately, on the brain-mind relationship.
In awarding him this prize, the jury recognizes the decisive impact of his research on health and on our understanding of human neuronal processes. Professor Changeux's profound reflections on the mechanism of neural networks have brought molecular biology and cognitive science closer together.
The José Vasconcelos World Award of Education 2018 went to Professor Malik Mâaza (UNISA, South Africa).
