URMC / Psychiatry / Research

Research

Groundbreaking, integrative, and clinically focused research that strongly values a culture of collaboration between research scientists, clinicians, and community stakeholders.

The Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center has a long history of groundbreaking clinical research.

Lyman Wynne (1923-2007) initiated a set of studies that led to the Rochester High Risk Longitudinal Family Study – one of the earliest studies using the high-risk design.

Robert Ader (1932-2011) performed work that led to the creation of a new field of research known as psychoneuroimmunology.

George Engel (1913-1999) developed the biopsychosocial model, providing a revolutionary new perspective on clinical research, education and treatment.

John Romano (1908-1994) the founder and first chairman of the URMC Department of Psychiatry is recognized as a founding father of modern American psychiatry.

Biopsychosocial Innovations in Research

A conversation with: Tom O'Connor, Kim Van Orden, Jan Moynihan, Anton Porsteinsson, Steve Silverstein, Peter Wyman, and others. Moderated by Yeates Conwell.

Collaborative Efforts at URMC

If you need help initiating a partnership, there are programs throughout URMC and within the Department of Psychiatry that can help.

UR Health Lab
Opportunities for clinicians and researchers to work alongside data scientists, computer scientists, and electrical and computer engineers to create new and advanced healthcare devices.

Culture & Engagement
The Department of Psychiatry fosters community, consumer and academic partnerships that utilize our collective research capabilities to improve mental health care.

Improving Care with Research

doctor talking with patient about brain scans

AD-CARE

Our mission is to advance clinical research in Alzheimer’s Disease through national and international research studies.

Visit AD-Care

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Center for Retina & Brain (CRAB)

We study how changes in the eye reflect changes in the brain's structure and function in a range of psychiatric, neurological, and systemic diseases. A principal focus is on retinal biomarkers of these conditions.

Visit CRAB

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The Center for the Study & Prevention of Suicide (CSPS)

As a multidisciplinary research center, we aim to reduce mortality and morbidity from suicide and attempted suicide.

Visit CSPS

researchers looking at brain scans on 3 computer screens

Keane Vision & Psychosis Lab

Our lab harnesses behavioral psychophysics and functional neuroimaging tools to understand the neural and information processes that underlie visual object perception in healthy and psychotic populations.

Visit the Keane Lab

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Pain and Perceptions Lab

We are interested in understanding the neural mechanisms that transform nociceptive input into painful perceptions in humans and how these mechanisms change in chronic pain.

Visit the Pain & Perceptions Lab

Dr. Sheftall explaining research app on ipad

Sheftall Lab

We study the factors related to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth. Our research focuses on developmental risk factors, such as neurocognitive functioning and familial relationships, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth.

Visit the Sheftall Lab

Sleep & Neurophysiology Research Laboratory

We study the causes, consequences, and treatments for insomnia and continue refining our questions about its nature, treatment, and the health benefits of proper management.

Visit Sleep Research Lab

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Schizophrenia Treatment and Research Laboratory (STAR)

We work to uncover the causes of schizophrenia and related disorders to develop novel treatments through innovative research studies.

Visit STAR

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The Wynne Center for Family Research

We conduct clinical studies to understand the impact of stress and health in families and how to promote health and well-being

Visit Wynne Center

View All Research Labs and Centers.

Research Labs

Support for Our Researchers

Our projects receive funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Defense, and other state and federal agencies and national foundations.

Recently awarded grants include NIH funding for two five-year randomized clinical intervention trials focusing on reducing the effects of caregiving on immune health, a 7-year study of how stress and anxiety in pregnancy may influence children’s brain development and physical growth, a 5-year study of insomnia interventions for military veterans, a 5-year study of visual remediation for people with schizophrenia, a 5-year study of tele-health versus in-clinic treatment of people recovering from a first episode of psychosis, multiple studies on the etiology of chronic pain, and studies of social connection, depression, and suicide in older adults. Other awards include a $2.35 million grant from the New York State Department of Health to establish a Finger Lakes Center for Excellence in Alzheimer’s Disease (FLCEAD).

The Department of Psychiatry provides pilot project funding for junior faculty and fellows twice yearly. Several projects that received this funding have gone on to receive NIH funding.

Interested in conducting research within one of our clinical services?

The Department of Psychiatry had developed support and resources for researchers interested in our clinical areas. Please view some of the current committees and supports available.

Inpatient Research Committee - Provides consultation for clinical investigators interested in conducting research within our Inpatient Psychiatry and/or our Inpatient Medicine in Psychiatry (IMIP) units.

Strong Minds Research Consultation Team - Provides consultation for clinical investigators interested in conducting research within our Strong Minds Adult Outpatient Mental Health Services.

Statistical support for faculty

Quantitative Methods Core (Qcore) provides the Department of Psychiatry researchers with statistical support.