Robert Horvitz

Robert Horvitz is an American neuroscientist known for his groundbreaking research in developmental biology and neuroscience, particularly in studying how organisms undergo programmed cell death, a process essential for normal development and maintaining health. He discovered key genetic pathways in the nematode worm *C. elegans*, which have implications for understanding diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. His work has significantly advanced our knowledge of how cells regulate their lifespan and communicate during development. In 2002, Horvitz was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, further solidifying his impact on the field of biomedicine.