April 16, 1999

The National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) has awarded $18.35 million in psychiatric research grants for 1999.

The funds will go to 205 new psychiatric research grants and 167 continuing grants. Among those receiving grants are 149 "young investigators," scientists who are in the early stages of their research careers, and 16 "distinguished investigators" with track records of significant research, according to NARSAD.

The organization has awarded a total of $82.13 million over the last 13 years for 2,130 grants to 1,048 scientists at 146 universities.

"We are proud to provide important early-career support for young scientists and continuing support for our distinguished and independent investigators," said Herbert Meltzer, M.D., a professor of psychopharmacology at Vanderbilt University and chair of the NARSAD Grant Review Committee.

The studies selected for NARSAD grants reveal "an astounding breadth of scientific exploration," remarked Constance Lieber, president of NARSAD's Board of Directors. "I'm happy to say this research will investigate a significant number of childhood and adolescent mental disorders. It is very exciting and gratifying to play a part in the search for a cure to the mental illnesses that afflict so many people."

Information on NARSAD is posted on the Web site www.mhsource.com/narsad.html.