The Brain Prize 2012 is presented May 9th

Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Foundation announced today that The Brain Prize is presented by Her Majesty the Queen of Denmark to Christine Petit and Karen Steel:

'for their unique, world-leading contributions to our understanding of the genetic regulation of the development and functioning of the ear, and for elucidating the causes of many of the hundreds of inherited forms of deafness'.

Prestigious international prize

The award ceremony takes place at the Royal Library, Black Diamond, in Copenhagen in front of a specially invited audience representing Danish as well as international neuroscience, last year's prize winners and Mr Morten Østergaard, Minister for Science, Innovation and Higher Education. This year's award is only the second award of this Prize. Yet it has already been recognized as belonging to the most prestigious international research prizes and it is the largest international prize for neuroscience.

Dr Nils Axelsen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Foundation said: It is our ambition that this Prize will be not only an international beacon for brain research but also a cherished icon for the Danish people. Therefore, we are extremely pleased that Her Majesty the Queen has shown the Foundation, the prize-winners and the Danish people the great honour to present the Prize this year. I am sure that this will also help further advance the recognition and the prestige of the prize at a national as well as an international level.

Fundamental research needed

About the work recognised by The Brain Prize 2012 Professor Colin Blakemore of Oxford University, Chairman of the Selection Committee, said: 'Karen Steel and Christine Petit are at the forefront of efforts to understand the molecular mechanisms of the specialised hair cells in the inner ear, whose extraordinary sensitivity to mechanical stimulation underpins the senses of hearing and balance. Together, the work of these two Europeans scientists illustrates the value and power of interdisciplinary approaches in neuroscience, and the way in which cutting-edge fundamental research is needed to understand complex clinical problems and to accelerate benefit for patients'

Provided by Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Foundation