The Colvin Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Mood Disorders Research honour researchers who contribute to transforming our understanding of the brain, and pave the way for the development of new treatments and strategies to prevent mental illness. The prize is awarded annually by the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
"It is a great honour for me to receive this international award in competition with researchers from all over the world. In the USA, the prize is well-known in the field," says professor Ole Andreassen, who is one of this year's five prize winners.
Andreassen will present his work and receive the award at the Foundation's International Mental Health Research Symposium on Friday, October 24, in New York City.
"The award is a great recognition of our research environment, as many have contributed to the results we have achieved," Andreassen continues.
Andreassen is a Professor and Head of the Centre for Precision Psychiatry at the University of Oslo and Chief Physician and Section Leader at Oslo University Hospital. He previously led NORMENT, a former Centre of Excellence at UiO, through its ten years.
Several breakthroughs in the understanding of bipolar disorder
Andreassen receives the prize for research into the causes of bipolar disorder, especially hereditary factors.
"For nearly 25 years, I have researched causal mechanisms, and I have led several large international studies where we have discovered more of the genetic mechanisms," he explains, and continues:
"We have also uncovered how such genetic factors affect the brain's function and structure."
Furthermore, Andreassen and colleagues have identified hereditary differences between people with different types of bipolar disorder.
The research can form the basis for developing better treatments
The research environment's findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease. Several of the breakthroughs in this line of research can have significant implications for individuals with bipolar disorder.
"Our research can form the basis for developing better treatments, particularly better medications with improved efficacy and fewer side effects," explains Andreassen.
"The results can also contribute to making the treatment more personalised, where different types of bipolar disorder can be detected earlier."
Creativity and rigor drive progress
Prize recipients are selected annually by committees of the Foundation’s Scientific Council, a volunteer group of 194 leading experts across brain and behavior disciplines. This year the awards go to researchers who are recognized for breakthroughs in schizophrenia, ADHD, and the biology of mental illness in addition to Andreassen’s research on bipolar disorder.
“This year’s prizewinners exemplify the creativity and rigor driving progress in psychiatric science. Their innovative research is opening new pathways to understand, treat, and ultimately prevent mental illness,” says Judith M. Ford, Ph.D., Chair of Brain & Behavior Research Foundation's Scientific Council in a press release.
The Faculty of Medicine congratulates
Dean Hanne Flinstad Harbo congratulates Andreassen on behalf of the Faculty of Medicine.
"Andreassen's research on the causes of bipolar disorder has expanded our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying this illness and opened new opportunities for tailored treatment. It may improve the quality of life for many. This award is both a recognition of Andreassen's personal achievements and a testament to the strong and innovative research environment at the Centre for Precision Psychiatry," Harbo says.