Scientia Professor George Paxinos AO was awarded the Royal Society of New South Wales James Cook Medal for the most meritorious lifetime contribution to knowledge and society in Australia.

The Conjoint Professor at UNSW Medicine & Health and NeuRA is a world-renowned cartographer who mapped the brain of humans as well as animals used in research. The first of Prof. Paxinos’ 57 scientific books, The Rat Brain in Stereotaxic Co-ordinates, is the most cited work in neuroscience.

Professor Paxinos, who leads NeuRA’s Brain Mapping Laboratory, has constructed brain atlases to help neuroscientists discover the cause and treatment of diseases such as Parkinson’s and dementia. He is also a passionate environmental activist and wrote the eco-fiction book, A River Divided, a novel which weaves neuroscience principles with environmental science.

On receiving the James Cook Medal, Prof. Paxinos said: ​“I will use my hour in the spotlight to speak of the cognitive, motivational and emotional limits the brain places on us and that, as it concerns the brain, we are made in the image of the chimpanzee.”

NeuRA CEO and Institute Director, Professor Matthew Kiernan AM, added: ​“Professor George Paxinos’ pioneering brain mapping has greatly advanced neuroscience and helped grow our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. I’d like to congratulate George on his recognition with the James Cook Medal, which highlights the significant impact of his work on science and society.”

Prof. Paxinos’ e‑book and audiobook of his novel A River Divided can be obtained free from the NeuRA website or by emailing email hidden; JavaScript is required