- Norman Doidge – Psychiatrist and author of The Brain That Changes Itself; popularized neuroplasticity.
- Michael Merzenich – Neuroscientist; pioneer in neuroplasticity research, especially in auditory and sensory systems.
- Richard Davidson – Psychologist and neuroscientist; studies emotion, mindfulness, and brain plasticity.
- Joseph LeDoux – Neuroscientist; research on fear, amygdala, and emotional memory.
- Eric Kandel – Nobel laureate; memory and synaptic plasticity research.
- David Eagleman – Neuroscientist and author; studies perception, brain plasticity, and consciousness.
- Alvaro Pascual-Leone – Neurologist; expert in brain stimulation and plasticity.
🧠 Psychologists & Therapy Innovators (Modern Approaches)
- Martin Seligman – Father of positive psychology; learned helplessness research.
- Bessel van der Kolk – Trauma researcher; The Body Keeps the Score; connects trauma with neurobiology.
- Daniel Siegel – Psychiatrist; interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, and brain integration.
- Jon Kabat-Zinn – Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR); research on meditation and brain change.
- Aaron Beck – Father of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); links thought patterns and brain function.
- Marsha Linehan – Developer of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); incorporates emotional regulation neuroscience.
- Pat Ogden – Somatic psychology; trauma therapy with neurobiological basis.
🧠 Applied Neuroscience / Popular Science Figures
- David Rock – Neuroscience of leadership and organizational behavior.
- Tali Sharot – Neuroscientist; studies decision-making, optimism, and emotion in the brain.
- Daniel Amen – Psychiatrist; brain imaging and public education on neuroplasticity.
- Barbara Fredrickson – Positive psychology; effects of emotions on the brain.
- Kelly McGonigal – Health psychologist; stress and neuroplasticity research.


