UC Irvine launches nation's first multischool depression research institute

The event brings together leading scholars, clinicians, philanthropists, industry and community leaders to accelerate breakthroughs in prevention and treatment.

UC Irvine marked a major milestone in mental health research on June 9 with the launch of the Noel Drury, M.D. Institute for Translational Depression Discoveries, which university leaders describe as the first institute in the nation to formally unite multiple academic schools in a coordinated effort to address depression.

The launch event, held at the Beckman Center in Irvine, convened researchers, clinicians, university leaders, foundations, industry and community partners for a day of scientific exchange focused on advancing the understanding, treatment and prevention of depression.

The program featured a keynote address by Conor Liston, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neuroscience and psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, as well as presentations by leading UC Irvine researchers on topics ranging from early-life adversity and adolescent mental health to neurobiology, emerging technologies and the social determinants of health.

Founding director Diego Pizzagalli, Ph.D., welcomed guests alongside university leaders, including Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Hal Stern, School of Medicine Dean Michael Stamos and Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences Dean Frank LaFerla. Dr. Noel Drury – a distinguished psychiatrist and the institute’s namesake – also attended and was given special recognition.

Read the full story in UC Irvine News.