Eric R. Kandel

Eric Richard Kandel was born on November 7, 1929, in Vienna, Austria. He became an American neuroscientist known for his research on the physiological basis of memory storage in neurons. Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his discoveries, which paved the way for greater understanding of how memory works. His early life in Vienna was significantly impacted by the rise of the Nazi regime, leading his family to emigrate to the United States in 1939 where his scientific career would eventually flourish.

On April 14, 1939, Eric Kandel's family emigrated from Nazi-occupied Vienna to the United States. This move was vital for his future, as it allowed him to pursue academic opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise. The Kandel family settled in Brooklyn, New York, where Eric attended Erasmus Hall High School and engaged in his early studies that piqued his interest in science and psychiatry, setting the stage for his future scientific achievements.

Eric Kandel graduated from Harvard College in 1952 with a degree in history and literature. His undergraduate studies laid the foundational interest in understanding human behavior, which eventually led him to pursue a career in medicine and neuroscience. At Harvard, Kandel developed a strong academic background that allowed him to engage with different methodologies and ideas, contributing to his interdisciplinary approach to neuroscience.

Eric Kandel completed his MD at the NYU School of Medicine in 1957. His medical training provided him with comprehensive insights into the human body and mind, shaping his future research. At NYU, Kandel's interest in understanding the biology of the brain deepened, leading him to pursue a career in neuroscience, where he would make significant contributions to our understanding of memory and learning processes.

In 1962, Eric Kandel was awarded a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School, where he conducted pioneering studies in the field of neuroscience. During this time, Kandel began investigating the neural basis of simple behaviors using the California sea hare, Aplysia. This work marked the beginning of his in-depth exploration into how memory and learning are represented in the brain, which would earn him international acclaim in the coming years.

In 1965, Eric Kandel began his influential research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he focused on the biochemical foundations of memory storage. During his time at NIH, Kandel explored the neural circuits of the marine mollusk Aplysia, which became a key model organism in his studies. This work was critical in demonstrating how memory storage is related to changes in synaptic strength, reinforcing the importance of synaptic plasticity in learning.

Eric Kandel joined the faculty of Columbia University in 1974, becoming a professor and continuing his groundbreaking research in neuroscience. At Columbia, Kandel was instrumental in furthering the understanding of the molecular basis of memory and in training the next generation of neuroscientists. His work at Columbia solidified his role as a leading figure in the field of neuroscience.

In 1983, Eric Kandel founded the Center for Neurobiology and Behavior at Columbia University. This center was established to advance research in neuroscience, combining the efforts of scientists working to understand the brain and the nervous system. Kandel's leadership in the organization positioned it as a leading institution in the field, contributing significantly to major discoveries and the education of upcoming neuroscientists.

Eric Kandel was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000, alongside Arvid Carlsson and Paul Greengard, for their discoveries concerning signal transduction in the nervous system. Kandel's research provided insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie learning and memory in neurons. His work with the sea slug Aplysia demonstrated how changes in synaptic function are central to memory formation. This groundbreaking research has had a lasting impact on neuroscience and our understanding of the brain.

Eric Kandel published 'In Search of Memory: The Emergence of a New Science of Mind' in 2006, a memoir that intertwines his personal history, including his experiences as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Vienna, with the scientific journey that led to his groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience. The book won the 2006 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Science and Technology, and it explores the biological processes of memory, making the subject accessible to a broad audience while highlighting the importance of scientific research.

The documentary film 'In Search of Memory' premiered on February 14, 2012. Based on Eric Kandel's autobiography, it chronicles his journey from a young boy in Nazi Vienna to a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist. The film captures Kandel's personal and professional life, exploring his groundbreaking research on the molecular mechanisms of memory and learning. It highlights his contributions to science and his efforts to understand the human brain.

In 2013, Eric Kandel published 'The Age of Insight: The Quest to Understand the Unconscious in Art, Mind, and Brain from Vienna 1900 to the Present.' This book merges the study of the unconscious mind with Kandel's insights into how the brain processes ideas, art, and creativity. It challenges traditional views by connecting historical perspectives on art and brain science, illustrating the interdisciplinary approach Kandel uses to explore complex concepts of mind and society.