HMNI's David Mahoney Prize is awarded every two years to individuals who excel at building a bridge between the public and the scientists dedicated to brain research.
2018
Steven Hyman, MD ’80, Director of the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health
For his efforts to increase investment in neuroscience and emerging genetic technologies.
2016
Alan Alda,Emmy Award Winner
For his work educating the public about brain issues, through his hosting and acting talents.
2014
Marilyn Albert, PhD,Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry and Director of the Division of Cognitive Neuroscience at The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Guy McKhann, MD, Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience and Founding Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins.
For their commitment to studying memory and aging.
2012
Eric R. Kandel, MD,University Professor & Kavli Professor of Brain Science at Columbia University
For his groundbreaking research revealed what happens in the brain when memories are formed.
2010
Kay Redfield Jamison,professor of psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
For her research in manic-depressive illness and her candor over her struggles with the illness.
2008
Charlie Rose,Emmy Award-winning journalist and talk show host for PBS
For helping to enlighten the nation on the importance of brain research through his frequent interviews with dedicated scientists in the field.
2006
James Watson,Nobel Prize recipient for the co-discovery of the structure of DNA
For being a leader among his peers by helping to identify ten achievable goals for brain research during the Decade of the Brain.
2004
Ted Stevens,former U.S. Senator from Alaska
For his advocacy among policy makers in Washington, D.C., for research on neurological disorders and for his pivotal contributions toward instituting the Decade of the Brain.
2002
William Safire,former Pulitzer Prize-winning author and columnist for the New York Times
For his journalistic efforts to bring neuroscience to the world’s attention, which included highlighting the importance of brain research.
Credit Sam Aronov / Shutterstock.com2000
Larry King, Emmy Award-winning talk show host for CNN
For presenting information on brain health and brain disorders to his television audience and for keeping the public informed on the role brain research plays in finding effective treatments and therapies.
1998
Roone Arledge,former chairman of ABC News
For his role in raising awareness of neuroscience research by bringing the latest news of brain research to the public.
1996
Mike Wallace,former correspondent for 60 Minutes
For his efforts to remove the stigma associated with depression.
1995
President and Mrs. Ronald Reagan
For their openness regarding the former President’s fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
The Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute hosts a public lecture series to continue its efforts to educate the public on the latest scientific discoveries in neuroscience and translate how these discoveries are relevant in our daily lives.
Since its founding in 1990, the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute has helped advance neuroscience at Harvard Medical School by promoting public awareness of the importance of brain research and by helping to fund research at the School's Department of Neurobiology.