It is with deep sadness that we share that Howard L. Fields, MD, PhD, UCSF Emeritus Professor of Neurology and Physiology, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Howard devoted his career to advancing our understanding of pain, its mechanisms, and its treatment. After pioneering research in the pain research field and contributing to the development of the UCSF Pain Management Center, Howard turned his attention to mechanisms of addiction as a member of the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center and subsequently as the Division Chief of the Alcohol and Addiction Research Group in the UCSF Neurology Department. His contributions to science were remarkable and continue to be cited.
In addition to discovering and characterizing the inhibitory and excitatory descending brainstem mechanisms that regulate pain, Howard’s research identified how activity of nucleus accumbens neurons contributes to motivated behavior for natural and drug rewards. Howard was closely associated with the UCSF Pain and Addiction Research Center (PARC), where his leadership helped advance and shape a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying pain, reward, and addiction. His research laid critical foundations for more effective and compassionate approaches to treatment.
Beyond his remarkable scientific contributions, Howard was a dedicated mentor, a thoughtful collaborator, and a respected leader within our community. Howard was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the American Academy of Arts and Science. He was at his most jubilant when discussing experiments and research findings with his colleagues at UCSF and beyond. His influence extended far beyond UCSF, leaving a lasting mark on the broader scientific and medical communities and inspiring generations of scientists and clinicians.
He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the Neuroscience and UCSF communities.