Winner 2005 – Michel Le Moal

The jury of the 2005 ECNP Neuropsychopharmacology Award has voted to recognise the contributions of Michel Le Moal in the field of neuropsychopharmacology.

Because of his pioneering and creative scientific achievements Michel Le Moal is one of the pre-eminent researchers in the field of neuropsychopharmacology.

His analysis of the importance of meso-cortical dopamine neurons for cognitive functions and behavioural adaptations has significantly contributed to our scientific knowledge. In addition, Michel Le Moal demonstrated that meso-limbic dopamine neurons play a critical role in reinforcement and reward processes related to addictive drugs.

Michel Le Moal has moved the field of addiction research forward through his observations that vulnerability for drug abuse is related to individual differences in stress response. 

Review paper (PDF)
Le Moal M., Koob G.F., 2007. Drug addiction: Pathways to the disease and pathophysiological perspectives, European Neuropsychopharmacology 17, 377–393