Genuine revolutions in science are rare. The acceptance of adult neurogenesis is one of these, recognition that the central nervous system of mammals contains neural stem cells capable of replicating normal cell types, including neurons. Samuel Weiss, PhD, demonstrated this in experiments with mice in 1992. His discovery of the metabotropic glutamate receptor remains a defining moment in establishing neurogenesis research as a pathway to exploring treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, ALS, and multiple sclerosis through neurological repair. Since then, Dr. Weiss has contributed to our understanding of the importance of neural stem cell research in connection with tumour biology, remyelination mechanisms in pregnancy, and even aspects of interpersonal and social behavior. The scope of these achievements extends from medical science to conceptions of mind and human development, from pessimistic degenerative determinism to possibilities of ongoing regenerative development and repair. Dr. Weiss’ directorships at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute of the University of Calgary and the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction has advanced neuroscientific research worldwide. His work has furthered a fundamental revolution in our understanding of the mechanism of life.
