Sestan honored for research in developmental neuroscience

Dr. Nenad Sestan, the Harvey and Kate Cushing Professor of Neuroscience, and professor of comparative medicine, genetics, and psychiatry, will receive the Constance Lieber prize for innovation in developmental neuroscience on June 19 at a prize symposium at in Baltimore, MD.

The prize is named in honor of Constance Lieber, who headed the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation for 25 years and founded the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD).

“Connie’s advocacy for mental health research was unmatched, and she inspired the careers of many young scientists in the field of developmental neuroscience,” said LIBD Director and CEO Dr. Daniel R. Weinberger.

Sestan is being recognized for identifying key genes and molecular mechanisms governing the identity and connectivity of cortical projection neurons, and elucidating how these processes have changed in evolution and may become compromised in neuropsychiatric disorders.  

In accepting the prize, Sestan said, “This prize is a tremendous honor, and I am very grateful to my family, mentors, trainees, and colleagues. I am especially grateful to the Lieber family, the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, and the selection committee for this recognition.”

More information on the Sestan Group’s research can be found here.