Neuroscientist · Psychiatrist · Author
From light to life.
Dr. Karl Deisseroth’s work has fundamentally reshaped biology. He has enabled exploration of how cellular activity gives rise to the behavior of living organisms — extending even to the complex perceptions, cognitions, and emotions controlled by the brain. Follow a two-decade trajectory of discovery, from pioneering the control of individual brain cells with light, to a new era of medical application in rapidly-advancing clinical trials.
2004–2009
Precise control from microbes: capturing the spark of light
Deisseroth introduces a gene from microbial algae (encoding a light-sensitive ion channel) into mammalian brain cells on July 1, 2004. In this experiment, he proves that neurons can safely express this exotic algal protein and become directly activated by light.
In 2005, Deisseroth’s lab publishes a paper showing this approach allows millisecond-precision optical control of neural spikes, fast enough to keep pace with the natural rhythms of brain function and behavior. Over the next few years, his teams assemble and demonstrate the rest of the optical and genetic pieces needed for the new approach (optogenetics).
2008–2023
Atomic architecture: illuminating a new way to channel electricity
Illuminating and redesigning a biological way to channel electricity, Deisseroth’s team maps the structure and function of the major types of these light-sensitive channels (called channelrhodopsins) down to the positions and actions of individual atoms, discovering structural principles and creating blueprints to design advanced, custom molecular tools for optogenetics.
2010–2026
Clinical translation: kindling the flame of a new approach
Decades of discovery culminate in human medicine guided by Deisseroth’s teams, with optogenetics-guided medication strategies reporting two Phase 2 clinical trial results in 2026.
From light to life.
This detailed timeline includes select career achievements, papers, awards, and press features. For a full list of academic papers, please visit Google Scholar.
2026
Clinical translation Career
Brain circuit principles discovered in the lab are translated into precision therapeutics, with human patient trials advancing for schizophrenia and autism.
View MapLight Therapeutics’ pipeline
2025
Decoding brain circuits to understand the human mind Press
A conversation about how Deisseroth’s groundbreaking research is reshaping our understanding of the brain and the experiences that define us as human.
iHeart Radio Big Ideas podcast · Dean Lloyd Minor · 2025
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2025
Asan Award Award
Asan Award in Basic Medicine, for the discovery of light-gated ion channels and the development of optogenetics.
2025
How does the brain turn an experience into an emotion? Press
A shortwave conversation on how the brain builds an emotion out of raw experience.
NPR · Jon Hamilton · 2025
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2024
The heart plays a hidden role in our mental health Press
An exploration of the discovery that the heart sends messages to the brain, and how those signals might influence it.
Science News · Laura Sanders · 2024
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2022
Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize Award
Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize, Columbia University, for optogenetics.
2022
Depression, schizophrenia, and the brain Press
A long-form conversation on mental illness, the brain, and optogenetics.
Lex Fridman Podcast · 2022
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2022
Optogenetics with Dr. Karl Deisseroth Press
Deisseroth discusses using light to control brain cells in lab mice to better understand human brain disorders.
PBS · Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein · 2022
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2021
Published Projections Career
Wrote and published Projections, a journey into the origins of human emotion, examining what mental illnesses can reveal about us all.
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2021
Light-activated molecules, windows into the mind Press
Deisseroth’s Lasker Foundation lecture on microbial opsins and what they reveal about the brain.
Lasker Foundation · 2021
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2021
Lasker Award Award
Lasker Basic Medical Research Award, shared for the discovery of light-sensitive microbial proteins and the development of optogenetics.
2021
2021 Lasker Awards honor neuroscience researchers, a biomedical legend and mRNA vaccine pioneers Press
Report on Deisseroth's honor with the 2021 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award.
Forbes · Alex Knapp · 2021
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2021
Projections: A Story of Human Emotions Press
A conversation about the book and the clinical stories behind it.
Harvard Brain Science Initiative · 2021
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2021
Karl Deisseroth discusses ‘Projections’ with Catherine Dulac Press
A bookstore discussion about the book with neuroscientist Catherine Dulac.
Harvard Book Store · 2021
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2021
‘Projections’ review: psychiatry in extremis Press
Review: An ‘emergency psychiatrist’ finds that only his patients’ words, not the language of science and medicine, can truly describe their suffering.
The Wall Street Journal · David A. Shaywitz · 2021
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2021
Connections by Karl Deisseroth review – artful insights into the brain Press
A review of Connections, on the science and the human stories woven through it.
The Guardian · Mark Honigsbaum · 2021
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2021
Neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth: ‘Coronavirus has changed us all’ Press
An interview on emotion, psychiatry, and how the pandemic reshaped our inner lives.
The Guardian · Richard Godwin · 2021
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2020
Scientists say a mind-bending rhythm in the brain can act like ketamine Press
An exploration of how Deisseroth’s lab was able to reproduce the altered state often associated with ketamine by inducing certain brain cells to fire together in a slow, rhythmic fashion
NPR · Jon Hamilton · 2020
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2020
Heineken Prize Award
Heineken Prize, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, for optogenetics and hydrogel-tissue chemistry.
2019
National Academy of Engineering Career
Elected a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for pioneering the molecular and optical control of neuronal signals — completing his election to all three U.S. National Academies: Medicine (2010), Sciences (2012), and Engineering (2019).
2019
National Academy of Engineering Award
Elected a Member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for pioneering the molecular and optical control of neuronal signals — completing his election to all three U.S. National Academies: Medicine (2010), Sciences (2012), and Engineering (2019).
Other prizes awarded in 2019
2019
New ways to image and control nerve cells could unlock brain mysteries Press
Capturing the work on the methods to target neurons in mice and fruit fly brains that may lead to insights.
Science News · Laura Sanders · 2019
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2019
Why are these mice hallucinating? Scientists are in their heads Press
A deep dive on new laser technology from Deisseroth’s lab that appeared to trigger particular images in the brains of lab mice.
The New York Times · Carl Zimmer · 2019
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2018
Founder and advisory board member, MapLight Therapeutics Career
Co-founded MapLight Therapeutics — a therapeutics company that seeks to provide new treatment for patients with psychiatric conditions — and joined the board.
Visit MapLight
2018
Stanford pioneer in brain research wins prestigious Kyoto Prize Press
Coverage of Deisseroth’s groundbreaking method for probing how brain cells behave and communicate, and his receiving the Kyoto Prize.
KQED · Amel Ahmed · 2018
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2018
Kyoto Prize Award
Kyoto Prize in Advanced Technology, for the discovery of optogenetics and the development of causal systems neuroscience.
Other prizes awarded in 2018
- Rumford Prize, AAAS
- Eisenberg Prize, University of Michigan
- Leibinger Prize
- Elected to the National Academy of Inventors
2017
Else Kröner Fresenius Prize Award
Else Kröner Fresenius Prize, for optogenetics, hydrogel-tissue chemistry, and circuit-level insight into depression.
Other prizes awarded in 2017
- Harvey Prize in Human Health, Technion
- NOMIS Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award
- Redelsheimer Award
2016
Building a see-through brain Press
An in-depth glimpse at CLARITY: the experimental approach at the interface of chemistry and biology that lets scientists peer into the deepest reaches of the body's master controller.
Scientific American · Karl Deisseroth · 2016
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2016
Massry Prize Award
Massry Prize, for optogenetics.
Other prizes awarded in 2016
- BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award
- McGovern Award in Science
- Elected to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
2016
Gambling rats reveal nerve cells which may control risk-taking behaviour Press
A look at the neural mechanisms behind risk-taking behavior.
The Guardian · Tim Radford · 2016
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2016
iBiology short talk: development of optogenetics Press
Deisseroth gives a retrospective on the development of optogenetics, a technology that has revolutionized neuroscience.
iBiology · 2016
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2015
Stanford, Harvard scientists to share $500,000 prize for work on new research technologies Press
The Albany Medical Center Prize for optogenetics is awarded to Karl Deisseroth.
Associated Press · 2015
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2015
Albany Med Prize awarded to scientists from Harvard, Stanford Press
The Albany Medical Center Prize for optogenetics is awarded to Karl Deisseroth.
Times Union · Claire Hughes · 2015
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2015
Breakthrough Prize Award
Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, for optogenetics.
Other prizes awarded in 2015
- Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research
- Lurie Prize in Biomedical Sciences
- Dickson Prize in Medicine
- Adolph Meyer Award, American Psychiatric Association
2014
This is the brain circuit that makes you shy Press
Background on the development of a completely new way of tracking nerve connections.
TIME · Alice Park · 2014
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2014
Brain control in a flash of light Press
Profile on Deisseroth, his lab, and an exploration of the origins of optogenetics.
The New York Times · James Gorman · 2014
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2014
Investigator, HHMI Career
Named an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
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2014
Dickson Prize in Science Award
Dickson Prize in Science, Carnegie Mellon University.
Other prizes awarded in 2014
- Keio Medical Science Prize
- Wilson Prize, Harvard Chemistry
- Elected to the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina)
- Scientist of the Year, R&D Magazine
2014
Karl Deisseroth: optical deconstruction of biological systems Press
A profile of Deisseroth and the Deisseroth Lab.
NIH Catalyst · 2014
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2014
Researchers build new off switch to shut down neural activity Press
A dispatch from the Deisseroth Lab, where the team developed a new tool to silence neurons with an unprecedented level of control.
HHMI · 2014
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2013
Neuroscience: Method Man Press
A profile of the lab and the tools Deisseroth built to read and write brain activity.
Nature · Kerri Smith · 2013
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2013
CLARITY makes it perfectly clear Press
Reporting on CLARITY and the Deisseroth Lab.
Science · 2013
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2013
Organs made transparent with new imaging technique Press
A profile on CLARITY and the Deisseroth Lab.
NBC News · Tanya Lewis · 2013
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2013
See-through brains promise to clear up mental mysteries Press
Reporting on CLARITY, a breakthrough that gives researchers a truer picture of the pathways underlying both normal mental function and neurological illnesses from autism to Alzheimer's.
Reuters · Sharon Begley · 2013
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2013
Blockheads no more: new technology creates the see-through brain Press
An exploration of CLARITY, dubbed one of the most important advances for doing neuroanatomy in decades.
Scientific American · Laura Sanders · 2013
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2013
Foreign adjunct professor, Karolinska Career
Foreign Adjunct Professor at the Karolinska Institutet, through 2019.
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2013
CLARITY of insight Career
Deisseroth’s team introduces a polymer chemistry-based method of building hydrogels within cells of intact biological tissues. This approach enabled a range of related techniques (initially CLARITY, followed by STARmap and hybridization/expansion methods), allowing structures as complex as intact brain circuitry to be made transparent, reshaped, mapped, and annotated.
- Gradinaru V, Treweek J, Overton K & Deisseroth K (2018). Hydrogel-tissue chemistry: principles and applications. Annual Review of Biophysics 47:355-76.
- Wang X, Allen WE, Wright MA, Sylwestrak EL, Samusik N, Vesuna S, Evans K, Liu C, Ramakrishnan C, Liu J, Nolan GP, Bava F & Deisseroth K (2018). Three-dimensional intact-tissue sequencing of single-cell transcriptional states. Science 361(6400):eaat5691.
2013
The BRAIN Prize Award
The BRAIN Prize, Lundbeck Foundation, for optogenetics.
Other prizes awarded in 2013
- Richard Lounsbery Award, National Academy of Sciences
- Pasarow Foundation Award in Neuropsychiatry
- Goldman-Rakic Award, Yale/NARSAD
- Gabbay Award, Brandeis University
- Premio Città di Firenze for Molecular Sciences
2012
Professor and endowed chair Career
- Professor of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford
- D.H. Chen Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
2012
National Academy of Sciences Career
Elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his achievements in original biological research.
View profile
2012
National Academy of Sciences Award
Elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Other prizes awarded in 2012
- Zülch Prize, Max Planck Society
- Perl-UNC Neuroscience Prize
- Record Prize, Baylor College of Medicine
2011
Anxiety switch makes mice shy no more Press
A look at how brain-control experiments could help understand psychiatric disorders.
Science News · Laura Sanders · 2011
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2011
Scientists discover anti-anxiety circuit in brain region considered the seat of fear Press
A profile on how the Deisseroth Lab used optogenetics to discover a brain circuit that eases anxiety.
Stanford Medicine · Bruce Goldman · 2011
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2011
Alden Spencer Prize Award
Alden Spencer Prize, Columbia University, for optogenetics.
2010
National Academy of Medicine Career
Elected as a Member of the Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) for his contributions to medical science and clinical psychiatry.
2010
Method of the year 2010 Press
Recognition from Nature Methods on the promise of optogenetics and its opening of new doors for experimentation across biological fields.
Nature Methods · 2010
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2010
Optogenetics: controlling the brain with light (extended version) Press
An exclusive piece from Deisseroth on how researchers can probe how the nervous system works in unprecedented detail, using a technique called optogenetics.
Scientific American · Karl Deisseroth · 2010
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2010
Karl Deisseroth: Using optogenetics to reveal the circuitry of depression in the brain Press
A conversation with Deisseroth on using optogenetics to map the circuitry of depression.
Brain & Behavior Research Foundation · 2010
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2010
Optogenetics: researchers shed light on neuron function Press
The Society for Neuroscience features optogenetics and Deisseroth in its Inside Science forum.
Society for Neuroscience · 2010
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2010
Optogenetics illuminates brain function Press
A JAMA feature on how optogenetics lets researchers control select brain cells with light.
JAMA · Bridget M. Kuehn · 2010
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2010
Pioneering bioengineering education Career
Chair of Undergraduate Education in Bioengineering at Stanford.
View profile
2010
National Academy of Medicine Award
Elected to the National Academy of Medicine.
Other prizes awarded in 2010
- Nakasone Prize, Human Frontier Science Program
- Koetser Prize, Zurich
- Gill Young Investigator Award, Indiana University
- Alden Spencer Prize, Columbia University, for optogenetics
2009
Illuminating depression Press
A KQED Quest feature on Deisseroth and optogenetics in the study of depression.
KQED · Sheraz Sadiq & Jenny Oh · 2009
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2009
Associate professor Career
- Associate Professor of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford
- HHMI Early Career Investigator, through 2013
- NARSAD Council, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
2009
Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award Award
Society for Neuroscience Young Investigator Award, for optogenetics.
2008
Light activated Press
A Nature news feature on the emergence of optogenetics.
Nature · 2008
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2008
Teaching optogenetics Career
- Taught optogenetics methods at Woods Hole and Cold Spring Harbor
- Free Stanford optogenetics workshops for visiting scientists from around the world (through the present)
2008
Lawrence C. Katz Prize Award
Lawrence C. Katz Prize, Duke University.
Other prizes awarded in 2008
- William M. Keck Foundation Medical Research Award
- Schuetze Prize, Columbia University
- World Economic Forum Lecturer, Davos
2007
The beam of light that flips a switch that turns on the brain Press
An exploration of a new generation of genetic and optical technology giving researchers unprecedented power to switch targeted brain cells on and off by remote control.
The New York Times · Ingfei Chen · 2007
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2007
10 breakthrough technologies 2007 Press
Optogenetics is named one of the top 10 emerging technologies (TR10) by MIT Technology Review.
MIT Technology Review · Jon Cohen · 2007
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2007
National advisory & Parkinson’s service Career
- Member, NIH Molecular Neurogenetics study section, through 2009
- Ad hoc member, NIH study sections
- Scientific advisor, Kinetics Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
2007
McKnight Scholar Award Award
McKnight Foundation Scholar Award.
Other prizes awarded in 2007
- Top 10 Technologies, MIT Technology Review
2006
Board certified Career
Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, renewed 2016 and 2026.
Visit site
2006
Presidential Early Career Award Award
Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
2005
NIH Director’s Pioneer Award Award
NIH Director’s Pioneer Award.
Other prizes awarded in 2005
- Klingenstein Fellowship and Robert H. Ebert Clinical Scholar Award
- McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award
- NARSAD Young Investigator Award
- Whitehall Foundation Award
- Coulter Foundation Early Career Translational Research Award
- APIRE Young Faculty Award
2005
Discovering causality Career
Integrating light-sensitive microbial proteins into mammalian neurons allows scientists to safely fire brain cells on cue.
Read the paper
2004
The Deisseroth Lab opens Career
- Deisseroth lab spaces open in spring 2004 (Clark Center at Stanford)
- Principal investigator and clinical educator, from 2004
- Attending physician, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, from 2004
- Assistant Professor of Bioengineering and Psychiatry, Stanford
- Scientific advisor, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
2004
APA Resident Research Award Award
American Psychiatric Association Resident Research Award.
Other prizes awarded in 2004
- Charles E. Culpeper Scholarship in Medical Science Award
2000
Clinical training at Stanford Career
- MD internship and licensure, Stanford, through 2001
- Psychiatry residency, Stanford, through 2004
1992
Biochemical sciences at Harvard Career
Completed an AB in biochemical sciences, summa cum laude, at Harvard.
1992
Phi Beta Kappa Award
Phi Beta Kappa, Harvard.
Other prizes awarded in 1992
- Highest Honors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Harvard
- John Harvard Scholarship for Academic Achievement of the Highest Distinction
2010
Optogenetics: controlling the brain with light. Precise control from microbes
Deisseroth K (2010). Scientific American 303:48-55.
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2007
Multimodal fast optical interrogation of neural circuitry. Precise control from microbes
Zhang F et al. (2007). Nature 446:633-9.
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2005
Millisecond-timescale, genetically targeted optical control of neural activity. Precise control from microbes
Boyden ES et al. (2005). Nature Neuroscience 8:1263-8.
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2007
An optical neural interface. Precise control from microbes
Aravanis A et al. (2007). Journal of Neural Engineering 4:S143-S156.
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2007
Neural substrates of awakening probed with optogenetic control of hypocretin neurons. Precise control from microbes
Adamantidis A et al. (2007). Nature 450:420-4. *Co-corresponding.
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2009
Optical deconstruction of Parkinsonian neural circuitry. Precise control from microbes
Gradinaru V et al. (2009). Science 324:354-9.
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2009
Parvalbumin interneurons and gamma oscillations synergistically enhance cortical circuit performance. Precise control from microbes
Sohal VS et al. (2009). Nature 459:698-702.
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2009
Activation of fast-spiking neurons induces gamma oscillations and shapes sensory transmission. Precise control from microbes
Cardin J et al. (2009). Nature 459:663-7.
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2009
Phasic firing in dopamine neurons is sufficient for behavioral conditioning. Precise control from microbes
Tsai HC et al. (2009). Science 324:1080-4.
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2008
Red-shifted optogenetic excitation: a tool for fast neural control derived from Volvox carteri. Atomic architecture
Zhang F et al. (2008). Nature Neuroscience.
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2008
Bi-stable neural state switches. Atomic architecture
Berndt A et al. (2008). Nature Neuroscience 12:229-34.
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2010
Ultrafast optogenetic control. Atomic architecture
Gunaydin LA et al. (2010). Nature Neuroscience.
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2012
Two-photon optogenetic toolbox for fast inhibition, excitation, and bistable modulation. Atomic architecture
Prakash R et al. (2012). Nature Methods 9:1171-9.
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2012
Crystal structure of the channelrhodopsin light-gated cation channel. Atomic architecture
Kato H et al. (2012). Nature 482:369-74.
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2012
Color-tuned channelrhodopsins for multiwavelength optogenetics. Atomic architecture
Prigge M et al. (2012). J Biol Chem 287:31804-12.
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2014
Structure-guided transformation of channelrhodopsin into a light-activated chloride channel. Atomic architecture
Berndt A et al. (2014). Science 344:420-4.
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2015
Structural foundations of optogenetics: determinants of channelrhodopsin ion selectivity. Atomic architecture
Berndt A et al. (2015). Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 113:822-9.
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2017
The form and function of channelrhodopsin. Atomic architecture
Deisseroth K & Hegemann P (2017). Science 357:eaan5544.
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2018
Crystal structure of a natural anion-conducting channelrhodopsin. Atomic architecture
Kim YS et al. (2018). Nature 561:343-48.
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2018
Structural mechanisms of selectivity and high-speed gating in anion channelrhodopsins. Atomic architecture
Kato H et al. (2018). Nature 561:349-54.
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2019
Cortical layer-specific critical dynamics triggering perception. Atomic architecture
Marshel JH et al. (2019). Science 365(6453):eaaw5202.
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2021
From microbial membrane proteins to the mysteries of emotion. Atomic architecture
Deisseroth K (2021). Cell 184:5279-85.
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2022
Structural basis for channel conduction in the pump-like channelrhodopsin ChRmine. Atomic architecture
Kishi et al (2022). Cell 185:672-89.
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2023
Structural basis for ion selectivity in K+-selective channelrhodopsins. Atomic architecture
Tajima et al (2023). bioRxiv 2022.10.30.514430; Cell 186(20):4325-44.e26.
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2023
All-optical physiology resolves a synaptic basis for behavioral time scale plasticity. Atomic architecture
Fan et al (2023). Cell 86(3):543-559.
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2010
Genetic reactivation of cone photoreceptors restores visual responses in retinitis pigmentosa. Clinical translation
Busskamp V et al. (2010). Science.
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2011
Neocortical excitation-inhibition balance in information processing and social dysfunction. Clinical translation
Yizhar O et al. (2011). Nature 477:171-8.
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2012
Optogenetics and psychiatry. Clinical translation
Deisseroth K (2012). Biol Psychiatry 71:1030-2.
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2013
Assembling behavioral states: divergent neural pathways recruit separable anxiety features. Clinical translation
Kim SY et al. (2013). Nature 496:219-23.
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2014
Circuit dynamics of adaptive and maladaptive behavior. Clinical translation
Deisseroth K (2014). Nature 505:309-17.
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2014
Natural neural projection dynamics underlying social behavior modulation. Clinical translation
Gunaydin LA et al. (2014). Cell 157:1535-51.
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2015
Optogenetics: ten years of microbial opsins in neuroscience. Clinical translation
Deisseroth K (2015). Nature Neuroscience 18:1213-25.
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2016
Targeting neural circuits. Clinical translation
Rajasethupathy P et al. (2016). Cell 165:524-34.
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2017
Modulation of prefrontal cortex excitation-inhibition rescues social behavior in CNTNAP2-deficient mice. Clinical translation
Selimbeyoglu A et al. (2017). Science Translational Medicine 9(401).
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2018
5-HT release in accumbens rescues social deficits in mouse autism model. Clinical translation
Walsh J et al. Nature 560:589-94.
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2019
Interacting neural ensembles in orbitofrontal cortex for social and feeding behavior. Clinical translation
Jennings JH et al. (2019). Nature 565:645-9 (2019).
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2023
Cardiogenic control of affective behavioral state. Clinical translation
Hsueh B et al. (2023). Nature 615(7951):292-299.
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2025
Roadmap for direct and indirect translation of optogenetics into discoveries and therapies for humans. Clinical translation
Lüscher C et al. (2025). Nature Neuroscience 28:2415-31.
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The book
Projections
A Story of Human Emotions
A literary tour of the human mind, told through the clinical stories of Karl’s years as an attending psychiatrist. Projections bridges the deep empathy of psychiatric practice with the structural rigor of the laboratory, exploring the brain as a physical system of circuits that can be mapped, understood, and treated. Translated into more than 15 languages worldwide.
★★★★★
“A scintillating and moving analysis of the human brain and emotions.”Nature
Karl Deisseroth.
A neuroscientist, clinical psychiatrist, and author, Karl Deisseroth is the D.H. Chen Professor of Bioengineering and of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His lab pioneered optogenetics and developed hydrogel-tissue chemistry, starting with CLARITY, using this dual methodology to map the specific cell types and connections driving complex behavior. To accelerate global progress in biological discovery and treating psychiatric conditions, the lab has shared these breakthrough techniques with thousands of research facilities worldwide.
Guided by a love for the beauty of small things in nature and a desire to understand how large patterns emerge, Deisseroth has forged new physical frameworks for deconstructing the mysteries of brain function in both health and neuropsychiatric disease. His path to science began in high school with an interest in thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. As an undergraduate, he initially considered majoring in literature, but became captivated by the beauty of chemistry and the structural biology of proteins.
Deisseroth was initially drawn to psychiatry by encountering a patient on the schizophrenia spectrum, and he continues to treat patients with challenging neuropsychiatric disorders. But the translational journey for his science began with his exploration of the inner workings of microbial light-activated channels. Today, more than 10,000 papers have been published reporting on discoveries made with optogenetics. Work is being carried out on direct clinical optogenetics, initially for human blindness – an effort which Deisseroth helped advance as far back as 2010 (Busskamp et al., Science 2010) and which led to demonstrated success in 2021 (Sahel et al., Nature Medicine 2021).
Believing that indirect optogenetics – new medicine development grounded in causal neural circuit discovery – could have an even greater opportunity, Deisseroth and his team members also founded MapLight Therapeutics in 2018.
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