The University of Otago psychology professor and neuroscience researcher recently received the award from the New Zealand Association of Scientists for his ground-breaking work on the mechanisms underlying addiction, chronic pain and Alzheimer’s disease, while also informing the development of new approaches to disease and brain-injury management.
Prof Abraham is internationally recognised for his contributions to the understanding of brain plasticity, particularly synaptic metaplasticity and its implications for human behaviour and mental health.
His ground-breaking work has introduced a new way of thinking about the complex interactions involving neurons in the brain and its learning and memory systems.
Prof Abraham said he was "thrilled" to receive the award.
"Some of New Zealand’s finest scientists have received the Marsden Medal, so to be counted amongst them by my peers is an honour."
He was also quick to recognise those who had worked alongside him, from collaborators, to students, his family and the public.
"This achievement is not something I’ve done alone."
He was responsible for bringing the country’s neuroscientists closer together and showing them how they could benefit from working with each other.
He organised the Australasian Winter Conference on Brain Research - New Zealand’s annual neuroscience meeting - and was chairman of the organisation for 12 years.
He also helped found and direct the Brain Health Research Centre at Otago as a more localised approach to bringing researchers together and engaging with the public, while also providing encouragement for Maori students to get a taste for neuroscience research.
He also co-led Rangahau Roro Aotearoa Brain Research New Zealand - a group of more than 80 researchers and clinicians which shaped a national, culturally informed response to the country’s growing need for high-quality care of the ageing brain.
Among Rangahau Roro Aotearoa’s many legacies are a network of independently managed dementia prevention research clinics and now the new Kaupapa Roro o Aotearoa - the Aotearoa Brain Project.
Prof Abraham said he was excited to see what the future held for neuroscience.
"The University of Otago has a long history of excellence in the neuroscience field.
"I think it’s important for Otago to continue to lead in this area and it’s great I’ve been able to make a contribution to that."
