We are pleased to announce that Dr. Gustavo Turecki received the Philippe and Maria Halphen Prize from the Académie des sciences of France. This prize is being awarded during an official ceremony at the Institut de France on October 18, 2022.
live at 9 AM EST
The Academy of Sciences was created in 1666 by Colbert and brings together scientists, chosen from among the most eminent French and foreign specialists. Its work aims to provide a framework of expertise, advice and warning, on which public policies can be based, and more broadly to shed light on the debates and choices of our society. The Academy of Sciences also supports research, is committed to the quality of science education and encourages scientific life on an international level.
The Philippe and Marie Halphen Prize is awarded to support the development of research projects concerning schizophrenia and severe depression. The Halphen Grand Prize of 20,000 € is awarded to a French-speaking scientist who has contributed to the identification of environmental and biological determinants of psychotic decompensation in adolescents.
Dr. Turecki receives this prize in recognition of his lifelong work on genomes and their regulation in the context of trauma, depression and suicide. In the last several decades, our understanding of the genome and its regulation has greatly progressed. Dr. Turecki’s work has been essential in helping us understand the genomic molecular processes explaining depression and suicide risk. His studies focus on how experience, particularly traumatic experiences in early childhood, influence brain function and behavior, and increase the risk of depression and suicide. His work has also helped us better understand the response to antidepressant treatment.