Erin M. Schuman Awarded 2026 HFSP Nakasone Prize for Neural Discoveries

Erin M. Schuman Honored with the 2026 HFSP Nakasone Award

The International Human Frontier Science Program Organization (HFSPO) has proudly announced that the prestigious 2026 HFSP Nakasone Award will be presented to Dr. Erin M. Schuman. This recognition is awarded for her remarkable contributions to our understanding of neuronal synapses and their role in memory formation. Her groundbreaking research challenges previously held beliefs about the production and functionality of proteins at synapses.

Breakthrough Discoveries in Neuroscience

Dr. Schuman's research has revealed that proteins essential for neuron communication and synaptic plasticity are synthesized locally at the synapses themselves, rather than being produced in the cell body and transported to their functional sites. This paradigm shift marks a significant advancement in neuroscience, as it directs focus onto individual synapses instead of entire neurons.

Pavel Kabat, the Secretary General of HFSPO, expressed his enthusiasm about honoring Dr. Schuman: "Her discovery is set to influence the entire field of neuroscience, which is increasingly centered on studying individual synapses. The essence of the Nakasone Award is to recognize pioneering individuals who push the boundaries of their discipline."

A Legacy of Excellence

The HFSP Nakasone Award was established in 2010 to honor scientists who have made important contributions to life sciences. This award pays tribute to the vision of former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, who initiated the International Human Frontier Science Program in 1987.

Dr. Schuman is the Executive Director of the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, Germany. She transitioned to the Max Planck Society in 2009, previously holding a chair at the California Institute of Technology. As a distinguished member of several prestigious academies, including the EMBO and National Academies of Sciences of both Germany and the USA, her work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Brain Prize in 2023 and the Körber European Science Prize in 2024.

Contributions to Education and Science

Besides her research accolades, Dr. Schuman holds a co-opted professorship in biology at Goethe University in Frankfurt and is a professor focused on synaptic function and plasticity at the Donders Centre for Neuroscience. Her involvement in the scientific community is profound, shaping the future of neurobiological studies and education.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of Dr. Schuman’s remarkable discoveries, detailed information, including quotes and further insights, can be found in the complete description of the Nakasone Award 2026.

If you wish to learn more or schedule an interview, feel free to contact Rachael Bishop, a science journalist and editor via phone at +33 (0)7 81 87 62 21 or email at [email protected].

Erin Schuman