In science, each new result, sometimes quite surprising, heralds a step forward and allows one to discard some hypotheses, even though one or two of these might have been highly favored.

The Nobel Prizes are much more than awards to scholars; they are a celebration of civilization, of mankind, and of what makes humans unique - that is their intellect from which springs creativity.

Concepts are vindicated by the constant accrual of data and independent verification of data. No prize, not even a Nobel Prize, can make something true that is not true.

Being a scientist is a special privilege: for it brings the opportunity to be creative, the passionate quest for answers to natures most precious secrets, and the warm friendships of many valued colleagues.

Our goal is to figure out a therapy for prion diseases.

I believe that politics takes a much different set of skills than science. Science is about getting to the truth. Politics is about what people think and how they react.

Neuroscience is by far the most exciting branch of science because the brain is the most fascinating object in the universe. Every human brain is different - the brain makes each human unique and defines who he or she is.