June 15, 2023 – The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) presented internationally recognized neuroscientist and neurologist, Robert T. Knight with a prestigious Honorary Doctorate degree during the 86th Board of Governors Meeting on June 12th in Jerusalem, Israel.  

Prof. Knight is at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience and psychology. His seminal research has laid the foundation for understanding perceptual, cognitive, and emotional processes within the human brain, and how these processes are impaired by brain damage. Prof. Knight has revolutionized the understanding of the frontal lobe and its importance to proper brain function.  

Prof. Knight is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco.  

Prof. Knight has strong ties to the Hebrew University. He was involved in the establishment of the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and has mentored many Israeli doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom are Hebrew University alumni. In 2014, he lectured at the International Neuropsychological Society conference in Jerusalem.  

At the ceremony, HU President Prof. Asher Cohen conferred upon Prof. Knight the degree of Doctor Philosophiae Honoris Causa, “In recognition of his tremendous academic contributions to the fields of cognitive neuroscience and psychology, while continuing his clinical work with patients; honoring his dedication to making science accessible to the broader public and with immense gratitude for his ongoing warm relationship with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, including his involvement in the founding of the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences.”   

Acknowledging the accolade, Prof. Knight said, “I am humbled and honored to be part of the wonderful history of the Hebrew University.”  

Prof. Knight is the founding editor of Frontiers for Young Minds, a scientific journal geared toward and peer-reviewed by young people. An award-winning mentor and teacher, he also continues his clinical work with patients and trains neurologists. He guides his graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through their studies and beyond, with a special commitment to advancing women in science.  

His many awards include: the Jacob Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; the IBM Award in Cognitive Computing; the Humboldt Prize in Neurobiology; the Howard Crosby Warren Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Experimental Psychology from the Society for Experimental Psychologists; the Distinguished Career Award from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society; and the Award for Education in Neuroscience from the Society for Neuroscience.   

He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Prof. Knight has published more than 450 articles.  

Prof. Knight received his medical degree from Northwestern University and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He completed a residency in neurology at the University of California, San Diego, followed by postdoctoral research at the Salk Institute.