Colin Blakemore

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Blakemore

Colin Blakemore (1 June 1944 – 27 June 2022) was a prominent British neuroscientist and professor whose research focused on vision and the development of the brain. He was known for his work on neural plasticity, the idea that the brain can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, especially during childhood. Blakemore's contributions to neuroscience and his efforts to engage the public in science discussions made him a notable figure in his field.

Early Life and Education

Colin Blakemore was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He showed an early interest in science and went on to study medical sciences at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he received his BA degree. He completed his PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on neurophysiology.

Career

After completing his PhD, Blakemore returned to the UK, where he took up a post at Cambridge University. His early work there involved experiments on cats that demonstrated the brain's ability to adapt to new information, a process known as plasticity. This work was critical in understanding how the brain processes visual information and adapts to changes.

Blakemore's career spanned several decades during which he held numerous prestigious positions. He served as the Waynflete Professor of Physiology at the University of Oxford and was later appointed as the Director of the Centre for the Study of the Senses at the University of London, which aimed to integrate approaches from neuroscience and philosophy to understand human perception.

Research Contributions

Blakemore's research significantly advanced the understanding of how the brain interprets visual stimuli and adapts to damage or changes in sensory input. One of his most notable contributions was the discovery of the "orientation selective cells" in the visual cortex, which are crucial for processing the edges and shapes of objects we see.

He was also involved in studies on the phenomenon of binocular rivalry, a visual perception issue that occurs when each eye is presented with a different image, leading to a competition between the two images for cerebral dominance.

Public Engagement and Controversy

Blakemore was a strong advocate for science communication and public engagement. He frequently appeared on television and radio, and wrote extensively about science for a general audience. However, his outspoken support for animal research in neuroscience led to significant controversy and personal risk, including threats to his safety.

Despite the challenges, he remained a vocal proponent of the importance of using animals in scientific research, arguing that it was essential for medical advancements.

Awards and Honours

Throughout his career, Blakemore received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his contributions to neuroscience and his efforts to engage the public in science. These included being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and receiving the Royal Society's Michael Faraday Prize for his excellence in communicating science to the UK public.

Legacy

Colin Blakemore's work has left a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience, particularly in the areas of vision and brain development. His research on neural plasticity has opened new pathways for understanding how the brain can recover from injury and adapt to new challenges. Beyond his scientific contributions, Blakemore's commitment to public engagement has inspired many scientists to communicate their work more broadly.