Two Pitt faculty members were honored by the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

Two Pitt scientists received 2022 Outstanding Achievement Prizes in Mental Health awards from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, the world’s largest private funder of mental health research.

In recognition of his extraordinary work in developing trans-neuronal tracers able to reveal the brain’s complex wiring, the foundation awarded the Goldman-Rakic Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Cognitive Neuroscience to Peter Strick, who is the Thomas Detre Professor and chair of neurobiology in Pitt’s School of Medicine.

“This award is very special to me,” said Strick, who also serves as scientific director of Pitt’s Brain Institute. “Patricia Goldman-Rakic was an exceptional neuroscientist who made landmark contributions to our knowledge of frontal lobe structure and function. She also was a wonderful friend, and I am deeply honored to be chosen for a prize that bears her name.”

Honoring his contributions to research on bipolar spectrum disorders in adolescents, Boris Birmaher, distinguished professor of psychiatry and endowed chair in early onset bipolar disease, was awarded the Ruane Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research.

“I am so grateful for this recognition. I have been fortunate to work with many people who are dedicated to the assessment, treatment and research of youth living with diverse psychiatric disorders,” said Birmaher. “The field of pediatric mood and anxiety disorders continues to advance, and we expect that many of those advances will help improve the lives of patients and their families, something I am deeply passionate about.”

Strick and Birmaher will present their work at the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation 2022 International Mental Health Research Symposium on October 28, 2022, in New York City, which will also be available to watch virtually.

— Anita Srikameswaran and Ana Gorelova