Hans-Lukas Teuber

Lobes of the brain NL

Hans-Lukas Teuber (August 7, 1916 – January 4, 1977) was a prominent neuropsychologist and a pioneer in the field of cognitive neuroscience. He is best known for his work on the relationship between brain function and behavior, particularly in the areas of visual perception and memory.

Early Life and Education

Hans-Lukas Teuber was born in Berlin, Germany. He studied at the University of Basel in Switzerland, where he earned his Ph.D. in psychology in 1947. His early work focused on the effects of brain lesions on behavior, which laid the groundwork for his future research in neuropsychology.

Career

Teuber moved to the United States in the late 1940s, where he joined the faculty at New York University (NYU). In 1961, he became the founding chair of the Department of Psychology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he established the Laboratory of Neuropsychology. Under his leadership, the department became a leading center for research in cognitive neuroscience.

Research Contributions

Teuber's research made significant contributions to our understanding of the brain's role in visual perception and memory. He conducted pioneering studies on patients with brain injuries, particularly those with damage to the occipital lobe and temporal lobe. His work demonstrated the importance of these brain regions in processing visual information and forming memories.

One of Teuber's notable contributions was his research on agnosia, a condition in which patients are unable to recognize objects despite having intact sensory abilities. His studies on agnosia helped to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying object recognition.

Legacy

Hans-Lukas Teuber's work has had a lasting impact on the field of neuropsychology. His research has influenced subsequent studies on brain-behavior relationships and has contributed to the development of modern cognitive neuroscience. Teuber's legacy continues through the many students and researchers he mentored, who have gone on to make significant contributions to the field.

Personal Life

Teuber was married and had two children. He passed away on January 4, 1977, leaving behind a rich legacy of scientific contributions.

See Also

• Neuropsychology
• Cognitive neuroscience
• Visual perception
• Memory
• Agnosia
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• New York University