Dr. Pierre Magistretti, Dean of the Biological and Environmental Science Division at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), has been awarded the 2016 Fondation IPSEN Neuronal Plasticity prize for contributions to the field of neuroenergetics.

Magistretti accepts the award with co-recipients Dr. David Attwell of University College London and Dr. Marcus Raichle from Washington University. They will be honored at an award symposium on July 5, 2016 during the 10th Federation of European Neurosciences Societies (FENS) Forum in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“Pierre’s significant contributions in brain-energy metabolism have resulted in significant new knowledge in neuroscience,” said KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau. “As an academic leader and passionate scientist, Pierre’s research is helping transform our understanding of the brain—not only for the sake of scientific research, but also to benefit society.”

About Fondation IPSEN

The Fondation IPSEN Plasticity prize is awarded to researchers in the field of neuronal plasticity or neuroplasticity. The prize seeks to recognize outstanding contributions to the sub-fields of development, synaptogenesis, ageing, regeneration, cognition and growth factor research, among others. Neuroplasticity refers to changes in the physical brain due to changes in behavior, environment, thinking, emotions and bodily injury.

“I’m honored to be recognized alongside such esteemed fellow scientists,” Magistretti said. “Fondation IPSEN has been a catalyst for increased research collaboration, and I’m looking forward to participating in FENS 2016.”

Previous recipients include Nobel laureate Torsten Wiesel and internationally recognized scientists such as Jean-Pierre Changeux of École Normale Supérieure and Antonio Damasio of USC and the Salk Institute.

About Dr. Pierre Magistretti

Magistretti has made significant contributions in the field of brain energy metabolism. His group discovered some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the coupling between neuronal activity and energy consumption by the brain.

Magistretti’s research interests include the cellular and molecular basis of brain energy metabolism and brain imaging and the behavioral, cellular and molecular determinants of neuronal and glial plasticity.

Magistretti is the current President of the International Brain Research Organization. He is also a professor at the Brain Mind Institute of the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland.