Geoff Woods has made outstanding contributions to knowledge of the mechanisms controlling brain size, and the perception of pain. He was the first to identify the chromosomal locations, and then pinpoint the causative genes, for the majority of the common genetic forms of microcephaly. He showed that the encoded proteins are required either for centrosomal function or chromosome condensation, regulate asymmetric division of neural cells, and play a key role in centriole control. Woods showed that individuals with homozygous loss of the sodium channel Nav1.7 lack all perception of pain. Further discoveries are imminent and this work promises to lead to new therapeutics.