Richard Axel is an American neuroscientist best known for his groundbreaking work in the field of olfaction, or the sense of smell. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2004, along with Linda Buck, for their discoveries related to the genetic basis of odorant receptors and the organization of the olfactory system. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of how the brain processes smells. Axel is a professor at Columbia University and has contributed to various scientific fields, including molecular biology and genetics. He has published numerous research papers and continues to be an influential figure in neuroscience, inspiring new generations of scientists to explore the complexities of sensory perception.