Dr. Snyder’s research on neurotransmitter receptors has led to many advances in the understanding of molecular neuroscience. He was honored with the 2005 National Medal of Science. Prior to his research, it was not possible to monitor receptors for neurotransmitters at a molecular level in simple test tube systems. His findings permit characterization of receptors in biochemical detail and have led to novel, high throughput means for identifying candidate drugs and for molecular structure-activity analysis to improve potency. The pharmaceutical industry applies this approach to develop more potent, selective and safer psychotropic agents. His work has also permitted elucidation of the mechanism of action of a number of psychoactive drugs.

Dr. Snyder received his M.D. from Georgetown University School of Medicine and spent two years at the National Institutes of Health prior to joining the Johns Hopkins University.