Dr. Richard L. Sidman (1928-2024): A Trailblazer in Neuroscience

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Richard L. Sidman, a revered figure in the field of neuroscience and medical research. Dr. Sidman passed away on March 6, leaving behind an indelible legacy of groundbreaking discoveries and unwavering dedication to scientific advancement.

He is survived by his wife Ljiljana Lekic-Sidman, two sons and their wives, two grandsons and their wives, and a great-granddaughter.

Born in 1928 in Boston, Dr. Sidman grew up in Mattapan, where his father Manuel (“Manny”) Sidman and mother Annabelle (Seltzer) ran Murray’s Department Store, a landmark on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan Square. Despite the name of the store, Richard’s older brother Murray never entered the family business but instead became a world-renowned behavioral scientist.

Dr. Sidman's passion for unraveling the mysteries of the brain was evident from a young age. He attended Boston Latin School, obtained his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School. He completed his internship and residency at Boston City Hospital, followed by three years of research at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. He then returned to Harvard Medical School, where he was eventually awarded tenure as Bullard Professor of Neuropathology.

His research lab was initially based in the Warren Anatomical Museum, where on the weekends he would bring his young sons David and Peter to play among the skeletons, brain exhibits, and especially the large mouse colony. Later he moved his lab to the Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where one colleague remembers him showing the view from an upper floor from where his elementary school, high school, college, medical school, and hospital internship/residency could all be seen. Eventually his work centered on Harvard’s New England Primate Research Center in Southborough, MA.

Dr. Sidman’s contributions to neuroscience are remarkable, spanning several decades of pioneering research. His work ranged from neuroanatomy and neurodevelopment to neurodegenerative diseases, and was instrumental in elucidating the mechanisms underlying disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and cerebral palsy. His seminal work on the development and pathology of the brain has had a profound impact on our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders, earning him worldwide acclaim. He was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, and his work continues to be cited and celebrated by scientists worldwide, reflecting the enduring impact of his research on the field of neuroscience.

He was especially dedicated to teaching, including authoring (along with his brother Murray) the first “programmed textbook” for self-learning in his field: “Neuroanatomy,” a classic that is still used today. He had a remarkable talent for making the most complex subjects easy to understand. He also remained keenly aware throughout his life of the connection between his research and real people with real medical problems.

Beyond his own research endeavors, Dr. Sidman was a mentor, colleague, and friend to many in the scientific community. His generosity of spirit, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence inspired generations of researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge.

Long after official “retirement,” he and his second wife, Ljiljana Lekic-Sidman (his first marriage, to Lucy Der Manuelian, ended in 1972), continued collaborating with many other researchers, most recently Evan Snyder, Wadih Arap and Renata Pasqualini, with whom he co-authored original research right up until the last few years (some articles are still in review).

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Sidman's life and achievements will be held later this spring at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge MA. May his soul rest in peace, knowing that his profound impact on learning and science will endure for generations to come.