EUGENE, Ore. -- (July 20, 2011) -- University of Oregon neuroscientist Helen Neville has harvested national and international recognition from her professional peers.
Neville, who holds the Robert and Beverly Lewis Endowed Chair at the UO, was among three 2011 co-winners of the IPSEN Neuronal Plasticity Prize announced July 19 during the eighth International Brain Research Organization World Congress of Neuroscience in Florence, Italy. The France-based la Fondation IPSEN, which tracks and highlights fundamental advances in biomedical research, started the award in 1990. Winners are selected based on lifelong achievements or in recognition of an important publication.
Neville shares the award with Isabelle Peretz, professor of psychology at the University of Montreal and director of the International Laboratory for Brain, Music, and Sound Research; and Robert Zatorre, professor of neuroscience at McGill University and Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital.
The winners were to discuss their work during a special session, "Music and Brain Plasticity." Neville's talk addresses "How can musical training improve neurocognitive functions?"
In June, Neville was chosen to receive the 2011 Transforming Education through Neuroscience Award during the third biennial meeting of the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society in San Diego. She officially will receive the award at the society's conference, "Preparing 21st Century Minds: Educating Students for the Future," Nov. 18-20, in Boston. The award honors an individual who represents excellence in bridging neuroscience and education.
Among her accomplishments was the release in late 2009 of an educational DVD produced by Neville and colleagues in the UO's Brain Development Lab, which she directs. "Changing Brains: Effects of Experience on Human Development" has since been distributed widely to social service agencies and the general public.
Neville earned a bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia, a master's degree from Simon Fraser University (British Columbia) and a doctorate from Cornell University.
Media Contact: Jim Barlow, director of science and research communications, 541-346-3481, jebarlow@uoregon.edu