Erin Schuman

Erin Schuman is a Director at the Max Planck Institute for Brain Research in Frankfurt, leading the Department of Synaptic Plasticity. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Southern California (1985) and a PhD in Neuroscience from Princeton University (1990). Her research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic function, emphasizing protein synthesis and degradation in neurons. Key contributions include discovering local protein synthesis in dendrites (1996), developing BONCAT/FUNCAT techniques for tracking protein synthesis, and studying synaptic diversity via proteomics. Schuman has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Körber Prize (2024) and Brain Prize (2023). She has mentored numerous students and postdocs, advancing understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and neural circuitry. Her lab uses zebrafish models to explore social behavior and employs advanced imaging and proteomic methods.

• Education: BA Psychology (USC, 1985), PhD Neuroscience (Princeton, 1990)
• Key Roles: Director at Max Planck (2009–), HHMI Investigator (2004–2010)
• Techniques: BONCAT/FUNCAT, single-cell sequencing, super-resolution microscopy