James Kirk Bernard Foundation Award for Excellence in the Biological Exploration of Suicide

Focus Area: Biological research exploring suicide risk factors and prevention

Overview:
An award presented annually in partnership with the International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) at the International Summit on Suicide Research. The award recognizes early-career researchers conducting innovative biological studies related to suicide.

Award Details

• Presented by: International Academy of Suicide Research (IASR) and James Kirk Bernard Foundation
• Selection Process: Selected by IASR committee from finalists in a pool of early-career researchers presenting innovative biological studies
• Recognition: Award includes honorarium and an award featuring a piece of Jamie's art
• Publication: Research is submitted for publication in peer-reviewed research journals

First Award (2019)

• Recipient: Arthur Ryan, Ph.D.
• Research Focus: Fatty acid profiles associated with suicide in military personnel
• Institutions: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, VA hospitals

Foundation Mission

JKBF's interest in exploring biological factors involved in suicide drives this award, supporting research that may lead to biological treatments and interventions to prevent suicide.

Geographic Scope: Not specified; appears to be open to researchers internationally presenting at IASR summit