Bruce McEwen, PhD†
Emeritus Member, Scientific Research Council
Child Mind Institute
Alfred E. Mirsky Professor
Head, Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology
The Rockefeller University
Bruce McEwen, PhD† was a prominent neuroscientist who led research on the effects of sex, stress and hormones on the brain. In 1968, his laboratory discovered adrenal steroid receptors in the hippocampus — a truly seminal discovery. His research focused on how stress affects particular areas of the brain, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. He also investigated how brain regions differ between men and women. Dr. McEwen’s research has significantly deepened our understanding of how the brain changes over the course of development, from childhood to old age, and it continues to shine new light upon the causes and progression of psychiatric illnesses, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.
Awards
- Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research, The Gregory Pincus Medal, 2013
- 25th Anniversary of American Psychological Society, William James Lifetime Achievement Award for Basic Research, 2013
- MIT, Scolnick Prize in Neuroscience, 2011
- Ipsen Foundation, Neuroplasticity Prize, 2010
- Society of Biological Psychiatry, Gold Medal, 2009
- University of Lund, Segerfalk Award, 2007
- University of Leiden, Marius Tausk Visiting Professor, 2006
- Pasarow Foundation, Neuropsychiatry Award, 2006
- American Philosophical Society, Karl Spencer Lashley Award, 2005
- NARSAD, Pat Goldman Rakic Award, 2005
- American Psychological Association, Award for Distinguished Scientific Contributions, 2003
- Institute of Medicine, Member, 1998
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1997
Education
- Rockefeller University, PhD in Cell Biology, 1964
- Oberlin College, BA in Chemistry, 1959
