Top USC researcher awarded Gold Medal by Society of Biological Psychiatry

Paul M. Thompson, PhD, a world leader in brain imaging and associate director of the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Gold Medal Award from the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP). This prestigious honor recognizes individuals whose groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the field of biological psychiatry.

As one of the most widely cited neuroscientists in the world, Thompson is best known for developing innovative imaging techniques to map the brain’s structure, function, and genetic influences. His work has helped uncover biological markers of psychiatric illness and neurodegenerative disease, reshaping how researchers understand brain development, aging, and mental health across the lifespan.

“Dr. Thompson’s research has had a profound impact on neuroscience and psychiatry, not only advancing our scientific understanding of the brain but also informing new approaches to diagnosis and treatment,” said Arthur W. Toga, PhD, director of the Stevens INI. “This award highlights his global leadership and the transformative work coming out of the Stevens Institute.”

Founded in 1945, the Society of Biological Psychiatry is the oldest neuropsychiatry research society in the United States, with over 1,500 members worldwide. Its annual Gold Medal Award is the highest honor bestowed by the organization, recognizing career-defining contributions that shape the field and improve outcomes for individuals living with mental illness.

“This recognition from the Society of Biological Psychiatry is deeply meaningful,” said Thompson. “It reflects not only decades of international collaboration across disciplines but also the extraordinary advances we’re making by bringing together experts from over 45 countries to discover new treatments for psychiatric, developmental, and neurological diseases. Our projects analyze worldwide neuroimaging and genetics databases, to discover better diagnostic tools and treatments for people with brain disorders and mental health conditions.”

At the Stevens INI, Thompson directs the Imaging Genetics Center and leads global initiatives such as ENIGMA (Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis), a consortium uniting more than 2,000 scientists across 45 countries. ENIGMA’s large-scale analyses of brain imaging and genomic data have revealed characteristic brain alterations in major psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, eating disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder, offering new insights into their biological underpinnings and which treatments restore brain function. A parallel effort led by Thompson, AI4AD (Artificial Intelligence for Alzheimer’s Disease), brings together 13 leading U.S. centers in genomics, neuroimaging, and AI to create better diagnostic tools for dementia.

Thompson’s work exemplifies the Stevens INI’s mission to accelerate discovery through advanced neuroimaging, high-performance computing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His contributions continue to shape the future of mental health research and underscore USC’s leadership at the intersection of brain science and precision medicine. You can learn more about his recent discoveries in psychiatry here.