Rutgers Launches Affective and Psychiatric Disorders Program Led by Dr. Avram Holmes
The Affective and Psychiatric Disorders Program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS) will establish a coordinated, multi-scale initiative dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of mood and psychotic illnesses, including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.
Directed by Avram Holmes, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and core member of the Rutgers Brain Health Institute (BHI), the program brings together expertise in genetics, molecular and cellular neuroscience, brain imaging, computational modeling, and clinical research to identify core biological mechanisms and translate discoveries into innovative, personalized therapeutic strategies.
“This new program reflects Rutgers’ commitment to addressing some of the most complex challenges in mental health,” said Dr. Holmes. “By uniting expertise across genetics, neuroscience, imaging, computational science, and clinical research, we are positioned to uncover the core mechanisms of affective and psychotic disorders and translate those discoveries into more effective, transformative treatments.”
The initiative will unite faculty across Psychiatry, the Brain Health Institute, and allied centers in genomics, neuroimaging, informatics, and addiction research. By fostering a collaborative infrastructure, the program aims to accelerate translational discovery while strengthening clinical impact.
“Our mission is to build a collaborative scientific environment that drives breakthrough insights into how the brain functions in health and disease,” Dr. Holmes said. “Here, we aim to deepen our understanding of the biological foundations of illness while generating meaningful real-world impact by advancing how affective and psychotic disorders are studied and treated.”
The program will also prioritize the development of trainees, interdisciplinary grant programs, and community engagement, positioning RWJMS as a national leader in research and care for individuals with affective and psychotic disorders.
“This initiative will attract outstanding talent, strengthen cross-campus collaboration, and elevate Rutgers’ leadership in neuropsychiatric research. By bridging basic science and clinical practice, it will support trainees and clinician–scientists who will lead the next generation of discovery and innovation,” Dr. Holmes said.
The Affective and Psychiatric Disorders Program reflects Rutgers’ ongoing dedication to advancing mental health research through collaboration, innovation, and real-world impact.
