Richard A. Murphy

American neuroscientist (1944–2022)

Richard A. Murphy
Born(1944-05-20)May 20, 1944
Revere, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedMarch 24, 2022(2022-03-24) (aged 77)
La Quinta, California, U.S.
Alma materCollege of the Holy Cross (BA)
Northeastern University (MS)
Rutgers University (PhD)
Scientific career
FieldsNeuroscience
InstitutionsHarvard Medical School
University of Alberta
McGill University
Salk Institute
California Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Richard A. Murphy (May 20, 1944 – March 24, 2022) was an American neuroscientist. He was the director of the Montreal Neurological Institute (1992–2000), president and CEO of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (2000–2007), and president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (2007–2008).[1]

Early life and education

Murphy was born on May 20, 1944, in Revere, Massachusetts. He was educated at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966, then attended Northeastern University, where he received his Master of Science (M.S.) in 1970. In 1974, Murphy earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University.[1]

Career

Murphy began his career as a neuroscientist and professor at Harvard Medical School, where he taught from 1974 to 1986. He immigrated with his family in 1986 to Edmonton, Alberta, and became the chair of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Alberta. In 1992, Murphy was named Director of the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University,[2] where he expanded the faculty by 20 members and led an effort to establish the Brain Tumour Research Centre.[1] The centre was eventually established in 1999, being the first Canadian centre devoted to researching the cause of brain tumors.[3]

In 2000, Murphy became the president and CEO of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he remained until 2007.[1] He raised $160 million in funding for the organization and founded research in multiple fields there.[4] Murphy was also the president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine from 2007–2008.[1][5] His primary research was in neurotrophins, a protein produced by brain cells and the peripheral nervous system.[4]

Personal life and death

Murphy was known colloquially as "Rich". He was married to Elaine (née Finnegan) Murphy, with whom he had three children: Jane, Mark, and Alison.[1] He died on March 24, 2022, at age 77.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Remembering Richard A. Murphy". The Neuro. McGill University. April 4, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Notable Figures at The Neuro". Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  3. ^ "Richard Murphy, PhD | Director 1992–2000". The Neuro. McGill University. 2020. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Richard Murphy, former Salk Institute president and CEO, dies at 77". Salk Institute for Biological Studies. March 27, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
  5. ^ "Richard A. Murphy Appointed President and CEO of The Salk Institute". Salk Institute. Retrieved November 2, 2010.
  6. ^ "Richard A. Murphy | Obituaries". The Montreal Gazette. April 7, 2022. Retrieved April 8, 2022.


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