Sheena Josselyn honoured with Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize

Sheena Josselyn, a scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and professor at the University of Toronto, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Peter Seeburg Integrative Neuroscience Prize.

The $100,000 USD prize, presented by the Society for Neuroscience and the Schaller-Nikolich Foundation, honours scientists who successfully connect molecular and cellular events to brain circuits and systems to explain cognitive and behavioural processes.

Josselyn was honoured for her research into engrams, the physical representations of memories, which has profound implications for treatment of neurological conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer’s disease.

“It’s a tremendous honour to be recognized and receive this prize, highlighting the importance of curiosity-driven research and the collective efforts of my colleagues and trainees," said Josselyn, a senior scientist at SickKids and University Professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine's department of physiology and Institute of Medical Science. "I hope our work on memory and engrams continues to open new doors for understanding the brain."

"Sheena Josselyn’s research into how the brain stores and reconstructs experiences has deepened our understanding of memory and its relevance to neurological and psychiatric disorders,” said Leah Cowen, U of T's vice-president, research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Her work exemplifies research that bridges fundamental discovery and real-world health challenges — and is a shining example of the spirit of collaboration and interdisciplinary inquiry that ties U of T and our partner hospitals. On behalf of the entire U of T community, I would like to congratulate Professor Josselyn on this most richly deserved honour.”

Stephen Scherer, chief of research at SickKids and University Professor of molecular genetics at Temerty Medicine, said the recognition "reflects not only [Josselyn's] role in defining engrams as a cornerstone of basic memory processes, but her sustained contributions to fundamental discoveries that promise to advance treatments for brain conditions."

Josselyn, who holds a Canada Research Chair in Memory Function and Dysfunction and is also a professor in the department of psychology at U of T's Faculty of Arts & Science, will receive the Seeburg prize at the Society for Neuroscience’s annual meeting in November.

Read the SickKids announcement

Read the Society for Neuroscience announcement