Ulrike Gaul
Charles D. Gilbert
Roderick MacKinnon
Peter Mombaerts
Fernando Nottebohm
Thomas P. Sakmar
Leslie B. Vosshall
Torsten N. Wiesel

Research on the human senses has entered a pivotal period in its history, when scientists can now find answers to such questions as: How does the brain form? How does the brain gather information through the eyes, ears and other sensory organs? How does the brain create a coherent representation of a personŐs surroundings? Scientists at the center, under the direction of F.M. Kirby Professor A. James Hudspeth, M.D., Ph.D., an HHMI investigator, pursue studies of vision, hearing, smell and taste, using such tools as molecular genetics, computer science, microscopy and brain imaging.

Center faculty collaborate to explore three research areas. The first area is the genetic, molecular and cellular studies of the components of sensory systems. The second area of investigation is the development of sensory systems during embryonic growth as well as regenerative studies of how the systems might be repaired when damaged by illness, injury or aging. The third area focuses on determining the neural basis of perception that enables the brain to sift and organize sensory information.