Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
CSB Issues Update on Its Investigation of the Fatal Explosion
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2025:
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CSB Issues Update on its Investigation of the Fatal Explosion
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today provided an update (https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/Horizon_Biofuels_Investigation_Update_2025-09-17_Final_Public1.pdf) on the agency's ongoing investigation into the fatal July 29, 2025 explosion and fire at the Horizon Biofuels facility in Fremont, Nebraska. The incident resulted in the deaths of three people -- an operator and his two young daughters,
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 -- The U.S. Chemical Safety Board issued the following news release on Sept. 17, 2025:
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CSB Issues Update on its Investigation of the Fatal Explosion
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) today provided an update (https://www.csb.gov/assets/1/6/Horizon_Biofuels_Investigation_Update_2025-09-17_Final_Public1.pdf) on the agency's ongoing investigation into the fatal July 29, 2025 explosion and fire at the Horizon Biofuels facility in Fremont, Nebraska. The incident resulted in the deaths of three people -- an operator and his two young daughters,ages 8 and 12.
"This terrible tragedy should not have happened," said CSB Chairperson Steve Owens. "Preliminary evidence points to a combustible wood dust explosion, a well-known - and completely avoidable -- hazard in wood processing."
The CSB's investigation plans to examine the operations and conditions at the Horizon Biofuels facility, as well dust control systems, industry guidance for safe dust operation, and regulatory oversight. A combustible dust explosion can occur when certain conditions align at a facility, including dust accumulation, dispersion, and ignition within a confined space, potentially triggering a powerful secondary explosion, like the one that occurred at the Horizon Biofuels facility.
The incident occurred at the Horizon Biofuels facility shortly before noon on July 29, following a sudden release of dust or smoke from the tower, quickly followed by flames and a much-larger, major blast that caused significant structural damage. The day shift operator, who had brought his two young daughters to work with him, was trapped inside the collapsed structure and died. His two daughters, who were in the break room at the facility, also were killed in the explosion. Emergency responders were unable to enter the unstable, burning building until the following day, when they recovered the bodies of the three fatally injured people. The explosion caused severe damage within the facility, affected vehicles on-site and nearby, and led to road closures that disrupted local businesses for several days. Several fires also occurred at the facility and combustible material at the facility has continued to smolder for more than a month.
The CSB previously has investigated a number of combustible dust incidents across industries. Additionally, in 2006 the CSB issued a major study of combustible dust incidents involving 281 dust explosions that resulted in 119 deaths and 718 injuries.
CSB Board Member Sylvia Johnson said, "The Board is committed to a thorough, independent investigation. We owe it to the victims, their families, and the broader community to identify the root causes and share important safety lessons."
The CSB's ongoing investigative actions of the Horizon Biofuels incident include:
* Examining the facility's design, process flow, dust handling, and dust control systems, including cyclones and dust collectors.
* Assessing whether the facility site operating procedures and practices met safety standards.
* Interviewing employees, management, first responders, and others knowledgeable about the facility's operations, maintenance, and safety practices.
* Reviewing the conditions at the facility and whether prior audits or inspections addressed combustible dust hazards in the facility.
The CSB continues to gather facts and analyze several key areas, including:
* Cause or probable cause of the initiating dispersion of dust
* Events and conditions at the facility prior to the incident
* Post-incident equipment condition and failure analysis
* Properties of combustible wood dust
* Industry guidance for facilities that generate wood dust
* Regulatory analysis
At the time of this update, the Horizon Biofuels facility remains unsafe and officials have advised that people maintain a safe distance from the facility due to the potential for the structurally compromised building to collapse, preventing the CSB from approaching the building so far.
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The CSB is an independent, nonregulatory federal agency charged with investigating incidents and hazards involving the catastrophic release of extremely hazardous substances. Its core mission includes conducting incident investigations, formulating safety recommendations, advocating their implementation, issuing reports on findings, and conducting chemical hazard studies.
Board members are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The CSB does not issue citations or fines but makes safety recommendations to companies, industry organizations, labor groups, and regulatory agencies such as OSHA and EPA.
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Original text here: https://www.csb.gov/csb-issues-update-on-its-investigation-of-the-fatal-explosion/
National Academy of Medicine to Present Hamburg Award to Carl F. Nathan for Seminal Discoveries That Improve Understanding of Innate Immunity
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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National Academy of Medicine to Present Hamburg Award to Carl F. Nathan for Seminal Discoveries That Improve Understanding of Innate Immunity
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Carl F. Nathan is the recipient of the 2025 David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine for his fundamental work in improving understanding of innate immunity -- which has led to better diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and a wide range of other infectious
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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National Academy of Medicine to Present Hamburg Award to Carl F. Nathan for Seminal Discoveries That Improve Understanding of Innate Immunity
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The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Carl F. Nathan is the recipient of the 2025 David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine for his fundamental work in improving understanding of innate immunity -- which has led to better diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis and a wide range of other infectiousdiseases -- and for his efforts to address antimicrobial resistance. The award, which recognizes his achievements with a medal and $50,000, will be presented at the NAM's annual meeting on Oct. 19. Elected to the NAM in 1998 and to the National Academy of Sciences in 2011, Nathan is a professor of medicine and of microbiology and immunology at Weill Cornell Medicine and is a former dean of the Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences at Cornell University.
Nathan's groundbreaking research into the mechanisms of antibacterial infection defense demonstrated that defense cells in the immune system attack bacteria penetrating the body with various chemicals, including nitric oxide. His work also revealed the mechanism with which the bacteria that cause tuberculosis are able to avoid these defenses. As a result, diagnosis of tuberculosis -- one of the world's most deadly infectious diseases -- has greatly improved, and Nathan's discoveries have also been foundational to improving the diagnosis and treatment of many other types of infectious diseases. He also worked with the Gates Foundation to develop a TB drug accelerator designed to speed up drug development for the disease.
In addition, as antimicrobial resistance continues to pose a major threat to society, Nathan has actively advocated for new approaches to addressing the crisis, helping to spearhead the creation of three consortia to foster better collaboration between academia and industry in an effort to improve drug discovery.
"Carl Nathan's seminal research has revolutionized our understanding of how the immune system works -- leading to lifesaving advances for many deadly infectious diseases," said Victor J. Dzau, president of the NAM. "What's more, his leadership in addressing the crisis of antimicrobial resistance has been invaluable in connecting researchers with drug companies to take real action on this growing health challenge. I am pleased that the NAM is recognizing his remarkable achievements with this award."
Created in 2021, this award is named for David Hamburg, who was president of the Institute of Medicine from 1975-1980, and Beatrix Hamburg, an NAM member and expert in child and adolescent behavioral health. The award is funded by an endowment established in 2004 in honor of the Hamburgs' life and legacy.
The David and Beatrix Hamburg Award for Advances in Biomedical Research and Clinical Medicine recognizes an exceptional biomedical research discovery, translation, or public health intervention by one or more scientists that has fundamentally enriched the understanding of biology and disease, leading to a significant improvement in human health and social well-being and reduction in global health inequities. Nominees are eligible for consideration without regard to education or profession, and award recipients are selected by a committee of experts convened by the National Academy of Medicine. The selection committee is chaired by Eric N. Olson, professor and chairman, department of molecular biology; director, Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine; The Robert A. Welch Distinguished Chair in Science and Annie and Willie Nelson Professorship in Stem Cell Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Contact:
Dana Korsen, Director of Media Relations
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; email: news@nas.edu
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Original text here: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/carl-nathan-hamburg-award/
NAM and Patients for Patient Safety Reflect on World Patient Safety Day
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM and Patients for Patient Safety Reflect on World Patient Safety Day
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Each day, patients place their trust, and often their lives, in the hands of the health care system. Their experiences and health outcomes are affected by their encounters with the health profession. Unfortunately, more than one in three patients in the United States report dissatisfaction with their health outcomes and care. As we observe World Patient Safety Day, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and Patients for Patient Safety
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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NAM and Patients for Patient Safety Reflect on World Patient Safety Day
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Each day, patients place their trust, and often their lives, in the hands of the health care system. Their experiences and health outcomes are affected by their encounters with the health profession. Unfortunately, more than one in three patients in the United States report dissatisfaction with their health outcomes and care. As we observe World Patient Safety Day, the National Academy of Medicine (NAM) and Patients for Patient SafetyUS recognize that addressing this challenge requires urgent and coordinated action.
Health workers are essential to the provision of quality and safe care. But when health workers face overwhelming administrative burdens and unsustainable workloads, the ripple effects reach every patient they serve. Clinicians who dedicate their careers to improving patient health are increasingly unable to deliver the compassionate, thorough care they were trained to provide.
In this strained system, patient experiences, outcomes, and importantly, patient safety can be negatively impacted. The connection between clinician well-being and patient safety is undeniable. Clinician burnout is associated with medical errors, poor patient outcomes, and even tragedies like avoidable patient deaths and clinician suicide.
Over the years, the NAM has persistently advanced the importance of patient safety. In fact, the NAM (then the IOM) was one of the first to call attention to the issue of patient quality and safety 25 years ago when it released the landmark study, To Err is Human, setting forth a national agenda for improving patient safety through the design of a safer health system. The health workforce crisis adds new urgency to the call for system-wide change.
Safety is built on trust: patients' trust in clinicians, and clinicians' trust in the systems they work within. More and more health organizations are making great strides in supporting the workforce and improving patient safety, but ongoing investment and expanded action is critical. The connection between clinician well-being and patient safety is too often underrecognized: making progress in clinician well-being can help achieve better outcomes for all.
"We must continue to take action to build environments that promote safe care for and protect our patients and clinicians, but there's much more to be done," said NAM president Victor J. Dzau. "Clinician well-being must remain a strategic priority because a healthy workforce means healthy patients and communities. When we invest in one, we're investing in the other."
Donald Berwick, co-founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, underscores the opportunity for partnership between those representing patients and clinicians: "Few endeavors unite the dreams and interests of patients and clinicians more than the goal of ever safer patient care. Patients deserve to count on safety and are essential partners in improvement. And clinicians derive purpose and well-being from knowing that they are continually striving for better healing for patients."
"Patient trust is rooted in safe care and that begins in a health care environment that supports everyone involved," said Susan Sheridan, president and CEO of Patients for Patient Safety US. "Patients have the same goals as the people who care for us --better patient outcomes. We need to focus on this common purpose to build a better collaborative relationship. Patients and health workers should be on the same team, together."
Trust is the thread that can tie patients and clinicians to their shared aim : better outcomes and more connection.
Health organizations everywhere can take action to build systems that support health workforce well-being and patient safety. The NAM's Change Maker Campaign represents a new chapter in the organization's patient safety leadership by bringing together organizations committed to fostering initiatives that improve clinician well-being, while ensuring patient safety and quality care are prioritized in these efforts. Participating in Patient Safety Week and Health Workforce Well-Being Day offer additional opportunities to advance this critical work alongside patients and clinicians, building a future of health care where trust is at the center.
Additional resources:
* An Equity Agenda for the Field of Health Care Quality Improvement
* Two Decades Since To Err Is Human Progress, but Still a "Chasm"
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Original text here: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/nam-and-patients-for-patient-safety-reflect-on-world-patient-safety-day/
ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in The Hill: EPA Has a Huge Role in American AI Dominance
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in The Hill: EPA Has a Huge Role in American AI Dominance
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published an op-ed in The Hill highlighting the agency's role in helping the United States lead the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. President Trump was the first American president to sign an AI Executive Order, and the Trump EPA wasted no time following his leadership by implementing the largest deregulatory
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Administrator Zeldin in The Hill: EPA Has a Huge Role in American AI Dominance
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin published an op-ed in The Hill highlighting the agency's role in helping the United States lead the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. President Trump was the first American president to sign an AI Executive Order, and the Trump EPA wasted no time following his leadership by implementing the largest deregulatoryagenda in American history to support the growth of AI and data centers. In February, Administrator Zeldin announced that making America the AI capital of the world would be a core pillar of his Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
Earlier this week, Administrator Zeldin led a roundtable with data center leaders at the White House to discuss productive steps the Trump administration is taking to advance AI innovation and cut red tape for AI infrastructure projects. The Trump EPA is committed to carrying out President Trump's AI action plan to lower the cost of energy and make life more affordable for Americans.
Read what Administrator Zeldin had to say Exit EPA's website :
"America has led every technological revolution, from manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution to railroads, aviation and the space race. We have pioneered some of the most innovative technologies to date, leading the world into new eras of possibility. Artificial intelligence is the next great American Frontier.
"President Trump recognized this immediately, signing the first ever AI Executive Order in January, Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence Exit EPA's website.
"A core pillar of my Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative is making America the AI capital of the world, and the Environmental Protection Agency will be critical in that mission.
" America's AI Action Plan Exit EPA's website, proposed by President Trump, centers on three objectives -- accelerating AI innovation, building out AI infrastructure and sharing AI technology with our allies.
"The Trump EPA is implementing the largest deregulatory agenda in American history. In fact, we will accomplish more deregulation in one year than entire federal government has achieved across all agencies throughout entire presidencies. We choose to protect the environment and grow the economy simultaneously.
"This week, I met with data center developers and AI executives at the White House to advance these discussions.
"During President Trump's first term, EPA developed the National Reuse Water Action Plan to advance water reuse strategies with AI applications in mind.
"We're now expanding this effort by considering data center projects in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act ( FAST-41) process, which would streamline approval timelines for critical infrastructure.
"Data centers range from 5,000 square feet to massive 100,000 square foot hyperscale facilities requiring robust water resources for cooling systems. Hyperscale data centers are expected to consume between 60 and 124 billion liters of water by 2028, equivalent to a mid-sized American city.
"To keep pace with this demand, we are considering a nationwide Clean Water Act Section 404 permit for data centers that would eliminate pre-construction notification requirements for development sites.
"On the greatest day of deregulation in U.S. history, this past Mar. 12, we announced modernized regulations for oil and gas wastewater discharges and in June, we announced our intent to update the 2024 Effluent Limitations Guidelines for Steam Electric Power Generating Units to lower energy costs while supporting sustainable water reuse, including for AI and data center cooling.
"At EPA, we are looking into using AI to train internal systems that review, categorize and summarize public comments on policy proposals. Tasks that previously required months can now take minutes, streamlining rulemaking, environmental reviews and monitoring while saving tax dollars.
"AI is transforming nearly every industry. U.S. data center demand is expected to grow from 25 gigawatts in 2024 Exit EPA's website to more than 80 GW of demand by 2030.
"This demand for more baseload electricity is expected to grow from 3 to 4 percent to nearly 10 percent of U.S. electricity supply in 10 years according to the Energy Information Administration Exit EPA's website.
"To pave the path for power plant and high-voltage equipment expansion, EPA is clarifying and streamlining the air permitting process. Our previous air quality permit guidance hadn't been updated since before modern technology emerged, when AI, semiconductor manufacturing and medical manufacturing were in their infancy.
"EPA has developed a new Office of State Air Partnerships within the Office of Air and Radiation to improve state implementation plans and resolve air permitting concerns more quickly, and we are refreshing the New Source Review rules.
"President Trump's July executive order promotes using remediated Brownfield and Superfund sites under EPA's purview for data center development.
"Brownfield sites are previously developed land that may hold pollutants from previous industrial or commercial use. Superfund law requires EPA to facilitate the removal of hazardous materials and treat contaminated soil and water before returning them to productive use.
"As of 2025, EPA has assisted in the cleanup of environmental contamination at nearly 45,000 properties. Our team is currently cleaning up 1,343 Superfund sites, 157 of which are on federal land and 1,186 on municipal or private land.
"Remediation typically takes three to five years for Brownfields, and longer for Superfund sites, but these programs help communities return contaminated lands to productive use.
"On non-federal property, the community decides what to do with the property, and data centers represent a beneficial long-term prospect.
"The three-year Brownfield assessment and remediation timeline aligns well with data center development needs. McKinsey analysis Exit EPA's website shows lead times to power new data centers in large markets like Northern Virginia can exceed three years, with electrical equipment lead times reaching two years or more.
"McKinsey projects that generative AI could create $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in global economic value.
"President Trump's desire to convert Brownfields and Superfund sites into data centers promises transformation to largely low-income and disadvantaged communities seeking revitalization, job creation and long-term prosperity.
"We are once again positioned to pioneer the next technological frontier. Through strategic deregulation, innovative partnerships, and environmental stewardship, EPA is helping ensure that America doesn't just participate in the AI revolution -- we lead it. The same visionary spirit that built our railroads and launched us to the moon will power our journey to AI dominance."
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/icymi-administrator-zeldin-hill-epa-has-huge-role-american-ai-dominance
Honduras to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Honduras to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management with IDB Support
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $25 million loan to support forest conservation and restoration efforts in Honduras.
The project, "Sustainable and Resilient Agroforests", approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, aims to promote the adoption of forestry and agroforestry practices that increase forest cover, boost community forestry through sustainable management and income diversification,
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Honduras to Strengthen Sustainable Forest Management with IDB Support
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $25 million loan to support forest conservation and restoration efforts in Honduras.
The project, "Sustainable and Resilient Agroforests", approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, aims to promote the adoption of forestry and agroforestry practices that increase forest cover, boost community forestry through sustainable management and income diversification,and strengthen the institutional capacity of the Honduran National Institute of Forest Conservation and Development, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF).
The operation will directly benefit more than 4,800 people in the departments of Atlantida, Colon, Yoro, Olancho, and El Paraiso, and will strengthen 50 agroforestry organizations. Planned actions include technical assistance, delivery of technology packages, restoration of micro-watersheds, implementation of business and entrepreneurship plans, modernization of the forest registration and monitoring system, and enhanced capacity for wildfire prevention and risk management.
The project also includes strengthening the Honduran Forest Seed Bank, developing a pilot program for results-based incentives for wildfire prevention, and updating regulations to facilitate forest management. These efforts will focus on areas with high restoration potential and active community participation, promoting sustainable and resilient forest management and creating economic opportunities.
The IDB financing includes $15 million from its regular ordinary capital and $10 million on concessional terms. The loan features has repayment periods of 25 and 40 years, respectively, with a grace period of 5.5 years.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the IDB works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries. Visit our website https://www.iadb.org/en
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/honduras-strengthen-sustainable-forest-management-idb-support
EPA marks one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with visit to Lake Lure, North Carolina, and commitment to remaining a partner in western North Carolina's recovery
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA marks one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with visit to Lake Lure, North Carolina, and commitment to remaining a partner in western North Carolina's recovery
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Lake Lure, North Carolina (Sept. 17, 2025) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with a tour of Lake Lure, a mountain town struck with more than 22 inches of rainfall during the hurricane that caused catastrophic damage.
EPA provided support to state
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WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA marks one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with visit to Lake Lure, North Carolina, and commitment to remaining a partner in western North Carolina's recovery
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Lake Lure, North Carolina (Sept. 17, 2025) - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials marked the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene with a tour of Lake Lure, a mountain town struck with more than 22 inches of rainfall during the hurricane that caused catastrophic damage.
EPA provided support to stateand local agencies for Lake Lure and all impacted areas by helping restore wastewater and drinking water systems and recovering and disposing of hazardous waste. EPA is continuing its support the communities through allocating a total of $685 million to North Carolina for water infrastructure resiliency, as well as $61 million through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for Hurricane Helene recovery.
"The devastation in Lake Lure and other parts of western North Carolina was overwhelming, yet through collaboration and the hard work of so many, these communities have made incredible progress," said EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. "This work is far from over, and EPA will continue to partner with state and local agencies, ensuring these communities will be more resilient and better able to withstand weather events."
"Having reliable and resilient drinking water and wastewater systems is critical to both the health and economic prosperity of North Carolinians," said North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson. "The recent funding provided by EPA is instrumental in helping these communities rebuild and recover, and DEQ plans to begin awarding funding to local government water and wastewater systems this week."
Below is some of the work EPA's accomplished in order to fulfill its core mission of protecting human health and the environment in the aftermath. This is in addition to the allocations for water system resiliency:
Wastewater and Drinking Water Systems
* EPA worked with state partners and local utilities to bring drinking water and wastewater systems back online, restoring service to more than 75 drinking water systems serving approximately 260,000 people in the Asheville area.
* EPA mobile water labs analyzed more than 1,500 drinking water samples from private wells in Buncombe and Watauga Counties.
* EPA o ffered technical guidance to local water operators, supporting efforts to restore and maintain drinking water systems and other essential services safely.
* EPA advised residents on precautions to prevent waterborne illnesses, emphasizing the importance of following local boil water advisories and staying informed through local health updates in collaboration with C enters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and local health authorities.
Hazardous Waste
* EPA collected more than 1,200 containers with oil, hazardous materials or propane from orphan containers for recycling or disposal.
* EPA managed approximately 20,000 gallons of oil and oil-contaminated fluids recovered from various containers, tanks, etc.; had it tested for hazardous substances and then arranged for the transportation of the usable material to an oil recycler in Charlotte.
Background
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina on September 27, 2024, causing catastrophic flooding and destruction. A Federal Major Disaster Declaration covered 39 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-marks-one-year-anniversary-hurricane-helene-visit-lake-lure-north-carolina-and
Alan F. Schatzberg Receives National Academy of Medicine's Sarnat Prize for His Pioneering Research on the Biology and Treatment of Mood Disorders
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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Alan F. Schatzberg Receives National Academy of Medicine's Sarnat Prize for His Pioneering Research on the Biology and Treatment of Mood Disorders
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WASHINGTON -- The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Alan F. Schatzberg is the recipient of the 2025 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health for his work advancing knowledge and treatment of depressive disorders, with an emphasis on psychopharmacology. The award, which recognizes Schatzberg's achievements with a medal
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The National Academy of Medicine issued the following news:
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Alan F. Schatzberg Receives National Academy of Medicine's Sarnat Prize for His Pioneering Research on the Biology and Treatment of Mood Disorders
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WASHINGTON -- The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) today announced that Alan F. Schatzberg is the recipient of the 2025 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health for his work advancing knowledge and treatment of depressive disorders, with an emphasis on psychopharmacology. The award, which recognizes Schatzberg's achievements with a medaland $20,000, will be presented at the NAM Annual Meeting on Oct. 19. Schatzberg is the Kenneth T. Norris Jr. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University and director of its Mood Disorders Center.
Schatzberg's research, teaching, and clinical treatment of major depression has influenced the practice of psychopharmacology and impacted the lives of millions of patients around the world. In addition to his research on major depressive disorder and hypercortisolism in psychotic depression, Schatzberg has contributed to the development of numerous depression treatments including a brain stimulation treatment for resistant depression and uncovered the antidepressant effects of ketamine through its mu opioid activity.
Schatzberg is an influential teacher of biological psychiatry and psychopharmacology. He authored the Manual of Clinical Psychopharmacology, now in its 10th edition and translated into more than 10 languages. As part of his commitment to educating the next generation of researchers and clinicians, he has led for over 30 years a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) funded fellowship training program and co-led for 20 years an NIMH career development institute that have trained more than 90 translational researchers and more than 300 fellows and junior faculty, respectively.
Schatzberg has held several leadership roles in the field of academic and clinical psychiatry, serving as president of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, the American Psychiatric Association, and the Society of Biological Psychiatry. His research and career have been recognized with numerous awards, including from the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Psychiatrists, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, Weill Cornell Medical College, the University of Pennsylvania, Medical University of Vienna, the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, the Anna Monika Foundation, and New York University, among others. The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology recognized Schatzberg's work mentoring young scientists in the field with the Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award. Schatzberg was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2003.
"Few researchers have contributed as broadly to the field of mental health as Alan Schatzberg, from developing new clinical treatments that improve patients' lives to advancing our fundamental understanding of depressive disorders," said NAM president Victor J. Dzau. "Dr. Schatzberg represents the ideal of researcher-educator, directly mentoring numerous researchers and authoring a definitive textbook essential in training clinicians worldwide."
Since 1992, the Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health has been presented to individuals, groups, or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in improving mental health. The prize recognizes -- without regard for professional discipline or nationality -- achievements in basic science, clinical application, and public policy that have led to progress in the understanding, etiology, prevention, treatment, or cure of mental disorders, or to the promotion of mental health. As defined by the nominating criteria, the field of mental health encompasses neuroscience, psychology, social work, nursing, psychiatry, and advocacy.
The award is supported by an endowment created by Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat of Los Angeles. Rhoda Sarnat was a licensed clinical social worker, and Bernard Sarnat was a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and researcher. The Sarnats' concern about the destructive effects of mental illness inspired them to establish the award. This year's selection committee was chaired by Michelle Monje, Milan Gambhir Professor of Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and Professor, by courtesy, of neurosurgery, of pediatrics, of pathology and of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, Stanford Medicine
The National Academy of Medicine, established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, is an independent organization of eminent professionals from diverse fields including health and medicine; the natural, social, and behavioral sciences; and beyond. It serves alongside the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering as an adviser to the nation and the international community. Through its domestic and global initiatives, the NAM works to address critical issues in health, medicine, and related policy and inspire positive action across sectors. The NAM collaborates closely with its peer academies and other divisions within the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Contact:
Dana Korsen, Director of Media Relations
Office of News and Public Information
202-334-2138; email: news@nas.edu
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Original text here: https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/alan-schatzberg-sarnat-prize/
