Michael M. Merzenich is a professor emeritus neuroscientist at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a leader in Plasticity research and the founder of Posit Science, that developed FastForward learning software.

Mike is often called the “father of neuroplasticity” because his research has been pivotal in demonstrating the brain’s ability to reorganize itself in response to experience, even in adulthood.

Professor Merzenich made a profound impact on BRIGHT founder Matt Palaszynski, who realized that plasticity research was at the center of any viable future treatment for brain injury.

Below is a video of a talk he gave for TED.com on neuroplasticity.   Mike’s talk underscores the point that plasticity is both the friend and the enemy for the developing brain.   In fact it is maladaptive plasticity that is responsible for much of what we call disability in brain injured children.    The type of training software that Mike’s company has developed holds promise as a basis for more focused treatment specifically targeted at the issues of chronic CP.     Ted.com: Michael Merzenich