NEW YORK, NY—October 10, 2005—The Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot, Israel, and New York University have joined forces to present a special forum on neural science. Four leaders in this dynamic field will explain some of the latest developments in brain research to a select group of invited guests. Titled "Unveiling the Secrets of the Brain," the event will take place at the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center for University Life in New York City on Monday, October 31, from 9:30am to 1:30pm.
Robert Machinist, Chairman of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, said, “In presenting this ‘day of science,’ we enhance a longstanding tradition of productive U.S./Israeli collaborations. I hope that it will also strengthen a relationship that could serve as a foundation for future joint projects endeavors that will express the Weizmann Institute’s mission of science for the benefit of humanity.”
The Weizmann Institute of Science is a renowned center of science and technology research and graduate study. Virtually every discipline of science is represented on its campus, and an interdisciplinary approach to scientific problems is encouraged. Its current brain-related research holds promise for understanding and treating ailments as diverse as psychological trauma, autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Its scientific leaders are pleased to share this exchange with NYU, one of the largest private universities in the U.S., and home to the NYU Center for Neural Science.
The moderators for the forum will be Prof. Yadin Dudai, incumbent of the Sara and Michael Sela Chair of Neurobiology at the Weizmann Institute; and Tony Movshon, Silver Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at NYU. Full presentations will be offered by Prof. Dudai and Prof. Rafael Malach of the Weizmann Institute; and Profs. David Heeger and Joseph LeDoux of NYU.
In his presentation titled “The Hidden Life of Memories,” Prof. Yadin Dudai will describe what his research has revealed about how the brain acquires sensory impressions and consolidates them into long-term memories, and how these memories can be altered or lost. Prof. Dudai has been a Global Distinguished Professor of Neural Science at NYU since 2004. He has held various posts in public life, including Advisor on Science Policy to Israel’s National Council for Research and Development.
Prof. Rafael Malach’s research focuses on how the human brain processes sensory information. His presentation, titled “Watching Brains Watching Movies,” will describe how he uses state-of-the-art functional magnetic resonance imaging equipment to study brain activity patterns while subjects view motion pictures. The findings, which reveal highly consistent patterns among normal subjects, could provide a promising tool for a better understanding of brain deficits such as autism, retardation, and dyslexia. Prof. Malach has been on the faculty of the Weizmann Institute since 1985, and is the incumbent of its Barbara and Morris Levinson Chair in Brain Research.
In his presentation titled “Brain Imaging: A New Window into the Human Mind,” David Heeger, Prof. of Psychology and Neural Science at NYU, will discuss how he uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the relationship between the brain and behavior. His work spans the fields of engineering, psychology, and neuroscience. Its interdisciplinary nature is reflected in the array of honors Prof. Heeger has received, including the David Marr Prize in computer vision; an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship in neuroscience; and the Troland Award in psychology from the National Academy of Sciences.
The groundbreaking research of NYU’s Prof. Joseph LeDoux focuses on the brain mechanisms of emotion and memory. In addition to articles in scholarly journals, he is the author of two highly-regarded books for the general public, The Emotional Brain: The Mysterious Underpinnings of the Emotional Life and Synaptic Self: How Our Brains Become Who We Are. His work involves fascinating case studies, and suggests new directions for research in the biology of mental illness. Prof. LeDoux’s presentation is titled “The Emotional Brain: Friend and Foe.” He joined NYU in 1989, and is currently the Henry and Lucy Moses Professor of Science in Neural Science and Psychology.
The American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS), founded in 1944, develops philanthropic support for the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, one of the premier scientific research institutions. The Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel, is a center of basic interdisciplinary scientific research and graduate study, addressing crucial problems in technology, medicine and health, energy, agriculture, and the environment for the benefit of humanity. For additional information, please visit www.weizmann-usa.org.
