CINP Lilly Neuroscience Basic Research Award 2008

Dr Anthony Grace

Anthony A. Grace received his Ph.D. in Pharmacology at Yale University.  He is now Professor of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Grace's research interests lie at the interface of neurobiology and psychiatry. His laboratory combines in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological recordings of identified neurons with behavioral and neuroanatomical techniques to study central dopaminergic systems, with the ultimate goal of determining the neurobiological correlates of mental disorders and the modes of action of psychotherapeutic drugs. Ongoing studies into the neurobiology of schizophrenia involve study of the interaction of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus with subcortical dopamine systems, and examining the impact of developmental disruption on limbic system function, as a model for the pathophysiological changes underlying schizophrenia in humans.  His interests encompass examining plasticity in the limbic system, with a particular focus on the amygdala, in response to chronic stress exposure and to drugs of abuse in animal models of drug addiction, craving, and affective disorders. Dr. Grace has won numerous recognitions for his work, including the Dr. Paul Janssen Schizophrenia Research Award, the Daniel H. Efron Award, the CINP/Lilly Basic Scientist Award, and a MERIT award from NIMH. He is also on the advisory board for NAMI, NARSAD, the Schizophrenia Research Forum, and the Schizophrenia International Research Society.