May-Britt Moser

May-Britt Moser was born on January 4, 1963, in Fosnavåg, Norway. She would go on to become one of the most renowned neuroscientists in the world, known for her groundbreaking research on the brain's spatial representation system, particularly her work on grid cells. Her early life in Norway and her academic journey laid the foundation for her illustrious career in neuroscience.

In 1991, May-Britt Moser graduated from the University of Oslo with a degree in psychology. During her time as a student, she met Edvard I. Moser, who would later become not only her husband but also a significant collaborator in her research career. Their shared interests in psychology and neuroscience would lead to a fruitful partnership in the scientific world.

May-Britt Moser was awarded her Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from the University of Oslo in 1995. Her doctoral research focused on spatial representation in rats, which laid the groundwork for her future discoveries involving grid cells. This period was crucial as it set her on the path to eventually making one of the most significant discoveries in neuroscience alongside her husband Edvard Moser.

In 2002, May-Britt Moser, alongside Edvard Moser, established the Centre for the Biology of Memory at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). This center became a leading research facility dedicated to the study of neural networks and spatial representation in the brain. Their work would later lead to the discovery of grid cells, earning them widespread recognition.

In August 2005, May-Britt Moser, together with Edvard Moser and their research team, discovered grid cells in the brains of rats. These cells are part of the brain's system for navigation and spatial memory. Their discovery was pivotal, providing insights into how animals understand their position in space, thus revolutionizing the field of neuroscience and influencing subsequent research on human cognition.

In 2011, May-Britt Moser was awarded the prestigious Kavli Prize in Neuroscience along with Edvard Moser and John O'Keefe, recognizing their discovery of a specialized system in the brain for memory and spatial awareness. This accolade is one of the several recognitions of their groundbreaking work, further establishing their contributions to the understanding of the brain's cognitive map systems.

On October 6, 2014, May-Britt Moser, along with Edvard I. Moser and John O'Keefe, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries of cells that constitute a positioning system in the brain. This work included the discovery of grid cells and expanded our understanding of spatial memory and navigation in humans and animals, marking a significant milestone in neuroscience.

May-Britt Moser received the Anders Jahre Award for Medical Research in 2015, further acknowledging her outstanding contribution to neuroscience. This award is one of Scandinavia's most prestigious medical awards and recognizes her work in understanding how the brain maps spatial environments, crucial for navigation and memory processes.

In 2016, the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience was established at NTNU, building on the foundations of the Centre for the Biology of Memory. May-Britt Moser played a key role in its development, furthering research into the neural circuits involved in memory and cognition. The institute focuses on interdisciplinary neuroscience research, fostering new discoveries and innovation.

In October 2018, May-Britt Moser was awarded an honorary doctorate from the SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Poland. This recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to psychology and neuroscience, particularly in understanding the brain's spatial and navigational functions. Her groundbreaking discoveries continue to inspire and influence the scientific community worldwide.