Stories
Edvard Moser, a Norwegian neuroscientist, is celebrated for his groundbreaking discoveries in the field of spatial representation and navigation in the brain. Along with his wife, May-Britt Moser, and John O’Keefe, he was awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their work on “grid cells,” specialized neurons that create a cognitive map of the environment.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 27, 1962, in Ålesund, Norway, Moser developed an early interest in science and mathematics. After completing his undergraduate studies in mathematics, statistics, and programming at the University of Oslo, he transitioned to psychology and neurobiology, earning his degree in 1990. He then pursued his Ph.D. in neurophysiology under the guidance of Per Oskar Andersen, focusing on the role of the hippocampus in spatial learning.
Postdoctoral Research and Academic Career
After completing his Ph.D. in 1995, Moser and his wife embarked on postdoctoral research with Richard Morris at the University of Edinburgh and John O’Keefe at University College London. These experiences solidified their interest in spatial representation and laid the foundation for their future research.
In 1996, the Mosers returned to Norway and joined the faculty at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim. It was here that they established their own lab and began their pioneering work on grid cells. Their research revealed a network of neurons in the entorhinal cortex that fire in a hexagonal pattern, creating a mental grid that animals use to navigate their surroundings.
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1962 | Born in Ålesund, Norway |
| 1990 | Completes undergraduate studies in mathematics, statistics, and programming at the University of Oslo |
| 1990 | Earns degree in psychology and neurobiology from the University of Oslo |
| 1995 | Completes Ph.D. in neurophysiology at the University of Oslo |
| 1996 | Joins the faculty at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) |
| 2005 | Publishes landmark paper on the discovery of grid cells |
| 2014 | Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with May-Britt Moser and John O’Keefe |
Beyond Grid Cells
While grid cells remain his most celebrated discovery, Moser’s research has expanded to explore other aspects of spatial representation, including head direction cells, border cells, and speed cells. His work has also shed light on how the brain integrates spatial information with other sensory inputs and how these processes are affected by aging and neurological disorders.
Legacy and Impact
Edvard Moser’s contributions have revolutionized our understanding of how the brain creates and utilizes spatial representations. His work has not only expanded our knowledge of basic neuroscience but also has implications for fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and the treatment of neurological disorders. As a founding director of the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience at NTNU, Moser continues to foster a collaborative environment for cutting-edge research, ensuring that his legacy as a pioneer in neuroscience will endure for years to come.