Torsten N. Wiesel is Chair of the Board of Governors of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan and President Emeritus of The Rockefeller University. In 1981, Torsten shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with David Hubel for their discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system. This research increased both our understanding of and ability to treat eye conditions such as cataracts and strabismus (crossed eyes) in children. Torsten is also a recipient of the 2005 US National Medal of Science.
Torsten is currently Co-Director of the Shelby White and Leon Levy Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior at The Rockefeller University, and on the board of the Hospital for Special Surgery. As Visiting Professor of Karolinska Institutet since 2009, he is also adviser to the Young Academy of Sweden. He continues to serve as adviser to research institutes in India, Brazil, and the United States, mainly helping to create opportunities for young scientists to carry out independent research.
Awards
-
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Half of prize jointly with David H. Hubel for their discoveries concerning information processing in the visual system.
-
Ferrier Medal and Lecture
On 'The function and architecture of the visual cortex'.
