A legacy of science, service, and humanity that helped shape modern neurology.
By Prof. Tissa Wijeratne
Prof. Mark Hallett (center) receives the WFN Award for Contribution to Neurological Science at the XXIV World Congress of Neurology in Dubai. He is flanked by World Federation of Neurology President William Carroll (left) and American Academy of Neurology President James Stevens.
The global neurology community mourns the loss of Prof. Mark Hallett, MD, whose passing in 2025 marks the end of an era in movement disorders and motor control research. Born in 1943, Prof. Hallett became one of the most influential neurologists of his generation, shaping both the science and spirit of modern neurology.
Prof. Hallett’s academic journey, which began at Harvard Medical School, progressed through his formative years in London and culminated in his decades of leadership at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), reflects an unwavering commitment to scientific discovery. As chief of the NINDS Human Motor Control Section, he laid much of the foundation for how we currently understand dystonia, tremor, functional movement disorders, and the physiology of voluntary movement.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Prof. Hallett was a true citizen of world neurology. He served as president of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, vice president of the American Academy of Neurology, and editor-in-chief of World Neurology, where his vision strengthened global dialogue and collaboration. His leadership helped build durable bridges across continents, particularly with Asia-Oceania and Australia, regions he supported with genuine respect and enthusiasm.
For many of us who met him as young neurologists, Prof. Hallett embodied mentorship at its best: generous with his time, patient in his guidance, and sincerely invested in our success. I remember countless conversations with him at the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) meetings, moments of quiet encouragement that stayed with me. In our most recent discussion, he spoke warmly about visiting Sri Lanka, a journey he was looking forward to. Sadly, this visit will remain unrealized.
During the height of the COVID-19 crisis, I had the privilege of conducting an extended, hour-long discussion with Prof. Hallett via Zoom. We explored his scientific journey, his views on mentorship, his reflections as past editor-in-chief of World Neurology, and his hopes for the future of our discipline. This conversation now stands as a precious historical record of his voice, his warmth, and his vision for global neurology.
Prof. Hallett leaves a profound legacy: rigorous science, global leadership, and a rare human warmth that shaped generations. The World Federation of Neurology extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues around the world. His impact will endure in every clinic, laboratory, and community touched by his work. •
Prof. Tissa Wijeratne, OAM, MD, PhD, FRACP, is a trustee of the World Federation of Neurology.
