Psychology
College of Liberal Arts
Twin Cities
Award Year
2026
University Award
Distinguished McKnight University Professors
Development and Consequences of Addiction and Mental Health
Scott Vrieze explores the origins of addiction and mental health through large-scale genetic and family studies. Leading a global consortium of millions, he identifies risk genes to improve clinical predictions and treatments. By studying twins and adoptive families over decades, he distinguishes genetic inheritance from human experiences to clarify the causes and consequences of mental illness. His research offers a critical foundation for new prevention and intervention strategies to address complex behavioral health challenges.