Derek Richter

Who is Derek Richter?

Derek Richter, English neuroscientist, was one of the founding fathers of the science of brain chemistry. Identifying monoamine oxidase and demonstrating its function in the brain early in his career, he became a prime mover in his field. In 1968 he was involved in the foundation of the British Brain Research Organization. Prior to this he helped to establish the Mental Health Research Fund, subsequently The Mental Health Foundation, now MIND. He also established the Journal of Neurochemistry, of which he was one of the chief editors from 1956 to 1969. He was involved in the foundation of theInternational Brain Research Organization, of which he became secretary-general, and the International Society for Neurochemistry. After leading a research unit at Whitchurch Psychiatric Hospital, he became director of the Medical Research Council Neuropsychiatric Research Unit in Carshalton. Throughout his life he promoted international collaboration in research.