H. Robert Horvitz

H. Robert Horvitz is an American biologist renowned for his groundbreaking research on the genetic control of development and behavior in the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. He contributed significantly to understanding how genes influence nervous system function and behavior, particularly in areas such as programmed cell death, which is essential for proper cellular development. Horvitz's work has implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2002, sharing it for discoveries that have advanced the field of genetics and developmental biology.