French neuroscientist known for his research in several fields of biology, from the structure and function of proteins (with a focus on the allosteric proteins), to the early development of the nervous system up to cognitive functions. Although being famous in biological sciences for the MWC model, the identification and purification of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the theory of epigenesis by synapse selection are also notable scientific achievements. Changeux is known by the non-scientific public for his ideas regarding the connection between mind and physical brain. As put forth in his book, "Conversations on Mind, Matter and Mathematics," Changeux strongly supports the view that the nervous system functions in a projective rather than reactive style and that interaction with the environment, rather than being instructive, results in the selection amongst a diversity of preexisting internal representations. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Jean-Pierre Changeux is a French neuroscientist who is best known for his work on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. He is a professor at the Collège de France and the Institut Pasteur in Paris.
Changeux has made significant contributions to the understanding of the structure and function of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. He has also studied the role of this receptor in learning and memory.
Changeux is a member of the French Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. He has received numerous awards, including the Crafoord Prize in Neuroscience and the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research.