Richard Wurtman

Who is Richard Wurtman?

Richard Wurtman, M.D., is the Cecil H. Green Distinguished Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Professor of Neuroscience in MIT’s Department of Brain & Cognitive Sciences, and of Neuropharmacology in the Harvard – MIT Division of Health Sciences & Technology.

His research career encompasses three areas:

Basic-science studies, principally on neurotransmitters and other brain chemicals

One of the earliest areas of Wurtman's focus was in dietary precurors of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.

Along with Nicholas Zervas of Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard Medical School, another early area of Wurtman's research pertained to the neurotransmitter dopamine, and its role in stroke physiology. Wurtman's studies occurred at a time of significant growth in research and understanding of neurotransmitters, with optimistic expectations for practical outcomes.

Clinical studies to confirm that mechanisms discovered in the laboratory also operate in humans

Translational work, usually in collaboration with foundations or companies, to apply the basic-science discoveries to finding new treatments for diseases