Physicist and neurosurgeon Alim-Louis Benabid was awarded the Research prize at the European Inventor Award 2016 ceremony in Lisbon. His work revolutionised the treatment of Parkinson’s disease after he pioneered the use of high-frequency deep brain stimulation.
Based on controlled electric charges administered via a probe implanted into the patient’s skull, Benabid’s life-changing method has become a standard treatment around the world, and has benefited over 150,000 people.
Accepting the award, Alim-Louis Benabid said: “Doing research is a privilege, finding something useful is a privilege, being recognised is a privilege. Only artists and writers are the sole owners of their discoveries. In science, we work together with other scientists and patients.”
He said the award was dedicated to everyone “who worked with me”.