Roger N. Lemon

Roger Lemon's research has transformed the understanding of the motor cortical control of hand and finger movements using human and non-human primate models. These movements are of tremendous cultural and technological importance but are particularly vulnerable to neurological disease. He pioneered the study of cortico-motoneuronal cells, and demonstrated their critical role in skilled hand movements, including tool use. He discovered that corticospinal neurons respond to visual presentation of graspable objects, and showed that they function as 'mirror neurons' when we watch others grasping. He is a passionate communicator of the importance of responsible animal research, especially that involving non-human primates.