Constance E. Lieber Receives 2017 Honorary Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health for Extraordinary Advocacy and Support of Psychiatric Research
Constance E. Lieber, who served as President of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, formerly known as the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (NARSAD) from 1989 to 2007, is the recipient of the 2017 Honorary Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health. Mrs. Lieber transformed her family’s experience with mental illness into a lifetime of support for psychiatric research into schizophrenia, depression and other mental illnesses.
It was over 30 years ago at a symposium at Columbia University when Dr. Herbert Pardes first met Connie Lieber and her husband Stephen Lieber. They spoke with him about supporting mental health programs and research on mental illness. That conversation has led to over $379 million in grants from the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation to over 4,500 of the most innovative scientists around the world.
Dr. Herbert Pardes, President of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation Scientific Council and Executive Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital said:
“Connie Lieber was a global champion for mental health and an extraordinary humanitarian. Not only did she work tirelessly to support scientists in the field, but guided by her own personal experience and compassion, she informally advised thousands of parents who were desperately seeking help for their children. Mrs. Lieber’s hope was to alleviate suffering by finding cures for mental illnesses and banishing the stigma that for too long has been associated with psychiatric disorders. Her work continues. We are dedicated to making her dreams a reality.”
Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, President and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation said:
“Connie Lieber has left us an outstanding legacy of generosity, brilliance and compassion. She was our leader and guiding light, providing inspiration and motivation to all who ever had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with her.”
The honorary prize will be presented posthumously at a ceremony in New York City on Friday, October 27.
