Erin Schuman elected as a Member of the National Academy of Medicine

The neuroscientist is honored for her pioneering research revealing how local protein production shapes synaptic communication and brain function

Erin Margaret Schuman, Ph.D., Director and Professor at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, has been elected as a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Schuman is recognized “for her work that provided the first evidence that proteins made locally near synapses can be used to enhance synaptic communication, a cellular correlate of memory.” Her pioneering research has created, expanded, and solidified the field of local translation, transforming our understanding of how neurons function and communicate.
 

The National Academy of Medicine elected 90 regular members and 10 international members during its annual meeting this year, bringing NAM’s total membership to more than 2,500, including over 200 international members.

Election to the NAM is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. New members are elected by their peers through a rigorous selection process that highlights those who have made major contributions to medical sciences, health care, and public health.

About the National Academy of Medicine

Founded in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, the National Academy of Medicine works alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering to provide independent, objective advice on issues critical to health, science, and policy. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine also encourage education and research, recognize outstanding contributions to knowledge, and increase public understanding of STEMM. With their election, NAM members make a commitment to volunteer their service in National Academies activities.