Richard A. Murphy

Richard A. Murphy (May 20, 1944 – March 24, 2022) was an American neuroscientist. He was the director of the Montreal Neurological Institute (1992–2000), president and CEO of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies (2000–2007), and president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (2007–2008).

Early life and education Murphy was born on May 20, 1944, in Revere, Massachusetts. He was educated at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966, then attended Northeastern University, where he received his Master of Science (M.S.) in 1970. In 1974, Murphy earned his Ph.D. from Rutgers University. where he expanded the faculty by 20 members and led an effort to establish the Brain Tumour Research Centre.

In 2000, Murphy became the president and CEO of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, where he remained until 2007. Murphy was also the president of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine from 2007–2008. His primary research was in neurotrophins, a protein produced by brain cells and the peripheral nervous system.