The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, one of the world´s
leading sponsors of scientific research, announced that it has named Dr.
Robert Knight as a winner of its highly prestigious Humboldt Research
Award for 2008 in the area of neurobiology. It is the only prize that
the Foundation awarded in that category.
Headquartered in Bonn, Germany, the Humboldt Foundation reviews a select
group of international candidates each year for its awards program.
Nominations are made by leading experts in the fields of science and
academia. Over forty winners of the Humboldt Research Award have gone on
to receive the Nobel Prize.
Dr. Knight serves as Chief Science Advisor to NeuroFocus, Inc., the
company that is regarded as the world leader in neuromarketing research
and applications. Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, NeuroFocus´s
staff of neuroscientists, neurophysiologists and engineers capture
measure, analyze and draw recommendations from consumers´ brainwave activity. Their conclusions enable marketers and content
creators to know with precision exactly which elements of their
marketing communications materials will best attract consumers´ attention; engage their emotions; and be retained in their memory.
Known worldwide for his pioneering work in Cognitive and Behavioral
Neuroscience, Dr. Knight serves as Director of the Helen Wills
Neuroscience Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. He
also holds the Evan Rauch Professor of Neuroscience chair and is a
faculty member in the university´s Psychology
Department.
NeuroFocus applies its patented technology and proprietary methodologies
to a full range of categories, from product design, packaging and
pricing to advertising, promotions, sponsorships, branded entertainment
product placement and film and television entertainment. NeuroFocus also
offers clients its expertise in evaluating the in-store shopping
environment through its novel Total Consumer Experience testing program.
The Humboldt Research Award is given to "outstanding
scientists and scholars from all disciplines from abroad whose
fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a
significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to
continue producing cutting-edge achievements in future."
It was Dr. Knight´s work in delineating the
contribution of the frontal cortex in orchestrating human behavior and
the recent discovery that ultra fast brain oscillations track behavior
in the human cortex that earned him nomination and selection as a 2008
Humboldt Research Award winner. In announcing the Award to Dr. Knight
the Foundation cited that it was "given in
the area of neurobiology in recognition of your past accomplishments in
research and teaching."
Dr. Knight is a previous recipient of the Jacob Javits Neuroscience
Investigator Award from the National Institute of Health for "distinguished
contributions to neurological research".
"I am deeply honored to receive this award," Dr. Knight said. "The field of human brain
research has come of age and I feel fortunate to be doing research in
such an exciting time."
About NeuroFocus
NeuroFocus Inc. is the market
leader in bringing neuroscience knowledge and expertise to the world of
advertising, marketing, product development and packaging, and
entertainment. The company leverages Doctorate-level academic
credentials in neuroscience and marketing from Berkeley, MIT, Harvard
and the Hebrew University combined with C-suite level business
management and consulting experience.
NeuroFocus clients include Fortune 100 companies across the consumer
package goods, food and beverage, financial services, automotive, and
retail sectors. Entertainment category clients include major companies
in the broadcast and cable television and motion picture industries. The
Nielsen Company is a strategic investor in NeuroFocus.
