Eric Kandel is an American neuroscientist known for his research on the biological mechanisms of learning and memory. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his work on the cellular and molecular basis of memory storage in the brain. Kandel's studies primarily focus on the sea slug Aplysia, which has helped reveal how synaptic connections change during learning. Born on November 7, 1929, in Vienna, Austria, Kandel emigrated to the United States in 1939. He has held prominent positions at institutions like Columbia University, where he continues to contribute to the field of neuroscience. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of how memories are formed and retained.