In 1998, Bruce S. McEwen, Ph.D., received Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Grant funding to support his quest to understand what happens when stress impacts and seems to “damage” the brain. While his research confirmed that stress does impact the brain and can cause shrinkage in the hippocampus region, for example, he also found that the impact is not necessarily permanent “damage.” He discovered the brain’s inherent capacity to adapt and remodel its architecture. His groundbreaking work effectively established what is now known as “neuroplasticity” in the field.

Dr. McEwen presented Brain Plasticity: What Is It and Why Is It Important? as part of our Meet the Scientist Webinar Series:

Read Dr. McEwen's response to the question: What are you most hopeful about in your research?

Read an interview with Dr. McEwen from our Magazine.