Nancy Andreasen, M.D., Ph.D., University of Iowa professor of psychiatry, who holds the Andrew H. Woods Chair of Psychiatry, has received the 2012 National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Scientific Research Award, honoring her contributions to the understanding of schizophrenia.

Andreasen, who also directs the Psychiatry Iowa Neuroimaging Consortium at the UI Carver College of Medicine, is internationally recognized for her pioneering work using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study the brain functions of those living with mental illness. Her research provides insight into how the brain structure and function affects language, emotion, and the creative process. Andreasen was among the first to suggest that schizophrenia is linked to abnormal brain development. Her work also has revealed an association between creativity and bipolar disorder.

Andreasen was presented with the NAMI Scientific Research Award, which is sponsored by Aetna, on Thursday, Nov. 15 during an award ceremony held in Washington, D.C. The ceremony also recognized members of Congress whose advocacy and leadership have had a major impact on the lives of people with mental illness. Proceeds from the reception will benefit future and existing NAMI programs.

For more information, read the NAMI news release.