Throughout her career Emeritus Professor Vivienne Russell, of the Division of  Physiological Sciences, has demonstrated a passion for research and education in neuroscience. An international expert in the field of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), Emeritus Professor Russell’s impact in this area was recently celebrated in a special issue by the Journal of Neuroscience Methods.

The editorial of the Special Issue on Models of Brain Disorders praised Professor Russell’s scientific skills and warm personality which have contributed extensively to the field of ADHD research and the mentorship/co-mentorship of students. She has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals and has authored numerous book chapters. In recognition of her original distinguished academic work, she was made a life fellow of theUniversity of Cape Town in 2008 and earned Professor Emeritusstatus in 2013.  

In addition to her academic work, she has played a pivotal role in advancing neuroscience education and training in South Africa and across the African continent. She has been an active member of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa, a regionalbranch of the International Brain Research Organization, enabling her to mentor junior faculty from African universities on how to communicate neuroscience knowledge.

She is also a member of the Women in World Neuroscience Program and a founding member of the Brain & Behavior Initiative at the University of Cape Town, a collaboration of multidisciplinary scientists aiming to use novel and innovative techniques to research brain-behavior questions relevant to South Africa.  

Prof Russell said the tribute came as a surprise and that she was honoured to have her work acknowledged in the issue. She also paid tribute to those who were part of her journey over the years: 

"I am very grateful to all of my wonderful students and collaborators who have worked with me over the years to advance our understanding of human brain disorders, with particular emphasis on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). My sincere thanks to those dear friends who contributed to the Special Issue and especially to Greg Gerhardt, Erin Miller and Jacqueline Womersley who initiated and coordinated the publication.” 

Emeritus Professor Vivienne Russell’s research, along with the work of her numerous collaborators, has aided in the understanding of the neurobiology of ADHD and provided a solid foundation for future research and hopes for even more effective treatments for ADHD. The Faculty would like to congratulate Prof Russell on this most deserving tribute.