Dr. Richard Paul Bunge
April 15, 1932- September 10, 1996

The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis mourned the loss of beloved Scientific Director, Dr. Richard P. Bunge. Dr. Bunge possessed a breadth of knowledge and skill that earned the respect of the neuroscience community, especially the diverse group of neuroscientists that comprise the Miami Project. He inspired colleagues, philanthropists and research volunteers with his unflagging energy and enthusiasm.

Dr. Bunge’s research in the fields of Schwann cell biology and human spinal cord injury was seminal. He was at the forefront of efforts to understand the process known as myelination. His early work included the first experimental demonstration of remyelination in the mammalian spinal cord. Dr. Bunge and his wife and partner, Dr. Mary Bartlett Bunge, are recognized internationally as leaders in research and champions of the "cell of Schwann". In addition, Dr. Bunge initiated the most extensive and detailed characterization of the pathology of human spinal cord injury to date, providing fundamental insights into the nature of cellular damage following human spinal cord injury.

As it has become increasingly clear that the central nervous system has the capacity for regeneration and remyelination, the Schwann cell, with its ability to support regeneration and remyelination has become a premier player in research aimed at clinical treatments for brain and spinal cord injury. Dr. Bunge's research contributions played a major role in making these advances possible.

Dr. Bunge's selfless drive to cure paralysis was further underscored by his wish that memorial contributions be made to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.

"My husband possessed those qualities needed to be an outstanding scientist and an exceptional human being: vision, curiosity, judgment and integrity. He was positive, dedicated, and generous of spirit. Being his collaborator and partner for 40 years has been the most exciting and rewarding journey I could have chosen."
Mary Bartlett Bunge, Ph.D.

"Dr. Bunge's selfless dedication is an example for all of our students and young faculty members to follow. His contributions in the area of nerve regeneration will help pave the way toward effective treatments for spinal cord injury."
John G. Clarkson, M.D.
Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, University of Miami School of Medicine

"Dick was a beloved teacher, mentor, and colleague. He achieved all of his success with a remarkable generosity of spirit and integrity. Neuroscience has lost a leader but his legacy will live on through the many students he trained and colleagues that he influenced. His presence at the Miami Project and within the field of neural regeneration will be felt for many years to come."
William D. Snider, M.D.
Washington University School of Medicine

"The University and Scientific community have lost a gifted scientist and pioneer at the cellular and molecular level. In the seven years he spent with us, he dedicated himself to translating research into clinical arena through the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. I have lost a close personal friend of more than 20 years, and we've lost a wonderful human being who helped all of us."
Luis Glaser, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost University of Miami

Published Tributes:

• Albert J. Aguayo, Society for Neuroscience Website, October 1996.
• George H. DeVries, Journal of the Peripheral Nervous System (2:190, 1997).
• James L. Salzer and David R. Colman, Neuron (17:811-812, 1996).
• Gabriele M. Zu Rhein and Ian D. Duncan, Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology (156:319-320, 1997).
• Mary B. Bunge, Experimental Neurology (148:395-396, 1997).

Dedications:

• Scott R. Whittemore and Jerry Silver (eds.), Experimental Neurology (148[2], 1997). Special issue.
• Jean de Vellis, Rebecca J. Hardy and David R. Colman (eds.), Journal of Neuroscience Research, (50[2,3], 1997). Special issue: "Development, Regulation, and Recapitulation of the Myelinating Cell Phenotype. Parts I and II".
• Neuronal Regeneration, Reorganization and Repair, edited by Fredrick J. Seil. Advances in Neurology, Vol. 72, 1997.
• "Neurotrophic Factors and CNS Regeneration", by Theo Hagg and Martin Oudega in Spinal Cord Monitoring: Basic and Clinical Aspects, edited by E. Stålberg and H.S. Sharma.
• The Toughest Break, 1 hour TV program narrated by Christopher Reeve, Accolade Productions, Vancouver, British Columbia (aired throughout Canada, December 1996).
• Florida Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Program advisory council special award, May 1997.

Scientific Meeting Dedications:

• "Emerging Concepts", NIH Workshop on Spinal Cord Injury,
  Bethesda, MD, September 30-October 1, 1996.
• The Cell Transplant Society Third International Congress,
  Miami Beach, FL, September 29-October 2, 1996.
• "Spinal Cord Repair: The Next Step",
  ISRT Bermuda Paraplegia Conference, April 8-12, 1997.
• International Society for Neurochemistry and the American Society for Neurochemistry,
  Joint meeting, Boston, MA, July 20-26, 1997
• International Functional Electrical Stimulation Society and Neural Protheses: Motor Systems V,
  Joint meeting, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, August 16-21, 1997.

Memorial Lectureships:

• Peripheral Nerve Society Richard P. Bunge Memorial Lecture,
  First lecturer: Mary Bartlett Bunge, Ph.D., at University of Cambridge.
• The University of Miami Neuroscience Program annual R. P. Bunge Lectureship,
  First lecturer: Gerald Fischbach, M.D., at University of Miami.