Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D., a preeminent teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences for the past 30 years, will receive the NAMI Scientific Research Award at the Inspiring Hope Through Research event on Tuesday evening, September 10 at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. His work on the impact of abuse, neglect, and trauma on the developing brain has impacted clinical practice, programs, and policy across the world.
This year’s event will mark the 20th anniversary of the presentation of the award. Dr. Perry joins an illustrious group of former award recipients whose leadership and innovations continue to make a difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness.
Dr. Perry has conducted both neuroscience and clinical research. His neuroscience research has examined the impact of prenatal drug exposure, the neurobiology of human neuropsychiatric disorders, the neurophysiology of trauma and adversity, and the development of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. His clinical research and practice focus on the complex impact of developmental adversity and its cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and physiological effects, such as neglect and trauma, as well as the positive and resilience-building effects of healthy relational connections.
His work has been instrumental in describing how childhood experiences, both negative and positive, change the biology of the brain—and thereby, the health of the child. His experience with traumatized children has led community and governmental agencies to consult with him following high-profile incidents. In addition to publishing more than 500 journal articles, book chapters, and scientific proceedings, he is the author of several books with the latest, “What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing” (2021) co-authored with Oprah Winfrey. Dr. Perry has received numerous awards and serves on the board of directors of multiple organizations including Prevent Child Abuse America and the Ana Grace Project
Currently, he is the principal of the Neurosequential Network and an adjunct professor at the School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
The Scientific Research Award is supported by the Peter Corbin Kohn Endowment, established in 2013 by Jutta and George Childs Kohn in loving memory of their son, Peter.
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