Mark Hallett: Indian connection

On November 2, 2025, Dr. Mark Hallett, a pioneering figure in clinical neurophysiology and movement disorders, passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 82. Professor Mark Hallett was born in Philadelphia, USA, in 1943. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. In 1975, he moved to the United Kingdom to undertake a fellowship at the Institute of Psychiatry in London under the mentorship of Professor C. David Marsden—an experience that profoundly shaped his scientific trajectory. In 1986, he joined the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, where he served as Clinical Director until his retirement in December 2022. A visionary leader, he was the fifth President of the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) from 1999 to 2000. His pioneering work on the physiology of human voluntary movement—and its disorders, including myoclonus, tics, tremor, dystonia, and parkinsonism—provided foundational insights into their underlying pathophysiology, transforming how we understand and approach these conditions. To honor his remarkable career, the National Institutes of Health hosted a retirement symposium in December 2022 titled “From Action Potential to Free Will”—a fitting tribute to a scientist whose work not only advanced the frontiers of neuroscience but also made complex neurological concepts profoundly accessible to clinicians, trainees, and patients alike. Professor Hallett held a deep and enduring connection with India, visiting the country frequently over two decades to foster education and collaboration in movement disorders. His first visit was in 2003, when he participated in the “World Parkinson’s Disease” program in Mumbai. Over the years, he returned multiple times—traveling to Ooty and Goa (2008), Delhi (2009), Bhubaneswar (2010), Agra (2011), and Thiruvananthapuram (2012)—primarily to lead and organize the acclaimed Indian version of the “Aspen Course” in Movement Disorders, a program that profoundly influenced a generation of Indian neurologists and helped advance the knowledge and clinical practise of movement disorders care in India see Figures 1 and 2. In 2011, he delivered the prestigious oration at the Indian Academy of Neurology Conference in Pune. He was also an active participant in the Movement Disorder Society of India’s formative years, attending both its inaugural Annual Conference in Chennai (2016) and its fifth edition in Thiruvananthapuram (2020) see Figures 3 and 4. Additionally, he served as faculty at specialized movement disorders teaching courses in Mumbai and Chennai in 2017 and 2019, further cementing his legacy as a mentor and bridge-builder between global and especially Indian neuroscience communities. Dr. Hallett’s final visit to India was in May 2023, when he travelled to the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Faridabad to participate in the 5th Young School of Neurologists, organized by the MDS. During this visit, he graciously inaugurated the Human Motor Control Section’s neurophysiology laboratory—an enduring symbol of his commitment to advancing research infrastructure in India.Figure 1: Prof. Mark Hallett at the Movement Disorders Teaching Course, Delhi, 2009Figure 2: Prof. Mark Hallett at Konark during his Bhubaneshwar trip, 2010Figure 3: Prof. Mark Hallet at the Movement Disorders Conference in ChennaiFigure 4: Prof. Mark Hallet at the 5th MDSICON, Trivandrum, 2020Ever the curious traveller, he was captivated by India’s rich cultural heritage, particularly the architectural grandeur of the Konark Sun Temple and the Taj Mahal. His ever-present camera captured countless moments, reflecting his deep appreciation for the country’s history and beauty. He frequently expressed admiration for the exceptional clinical acumen of Indian neurologists and was consistently impressed by the remarkable and often rare movement disorder cases encountered during his visits—treating each encounter as both a learning opportunity and a privilege. Dr. Hallett was instrumental in shaping the careers of more than 150 clinical and research fellows from across the globe, each of whom benefited from his extraordinary mentorship, intellectual generosity, and unwavering support. A true gentleman—humble, kind, and deeply committed to teaching—he inspired generations of neurologists and scientists worldwide. His scholarly influence is so profound that, to many of us, it often feels as though his name appears on nearly every paper we read in the field of movement disorders. Indeed, his legacy is not only etched in the vast corpus of his scientific contributions but also in the countless lives he touched and the minds he shaped—an extraordinary career, matched only by the depth of his humanity. Author contribution A. Research project: Conception: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Organization: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Execution: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia B. Statistical analysis: Design: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Execution: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Review and Critique: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia C. Manuscript preparation: Writing of the first draft: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Review and Critique: Sanjay Pandey, Kailash P. Bhatia Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.