Affiliation:
1. University of Oxford, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, Sherrington Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
2. Otto-von-Guericke University, Institute of Biology, Magdeburg, Germany
Abstract
Colin Blakemore was a giant of neuroscience, whose direct research contributions shaped our modern knowledge of vision and the senses, as well as neural development, plasticity and degeneration. His early work revealed that manipulation of the sensory environment exerts a profound influence on the growing nervous system, establishing that the activation of nerve cells is directly linked to the successful maintenance of these cells’ connections with the rest of the brain. These and many later findings set the scene for understanding that the computational functions of the brain are the outcome of adaptive processes, which continue through adult life in many cases. Publicly, Colin's distinctive voice was well known in broadcast media, notably being the youngest ever presenter of the BBC Reith Lectures at the age of 32. Colin became a regular communicator of the rapidly growing field of neuroscience and an effective advocate for the scientific understanding of our brains, bodies and mental life. He unflinchingly undertook the role of justifying the need for animal research to play its part in the development of science and medical treatment, even though sometimes this brought vilification, and even threats. Colin held many public-facing roles for scientific bodies, of which the most significant was his time as chief executive of the Medical Research Council. More personally, Colin's role as a mentor will always be remembered by his students, who benefited from Colin's remarkable ability to pause all his other activities and focus upon their scientific work and future careers.