WFSBP Awards 2026
The WFSBP Awards celebrate excellence in biological psychiatry by recognising outstanding scientific achievements, educational commitment, and promising early-career researchers. Presented during the World Congress of Biological Psychiatry, the awards highlight individuals whose work advances research, clinical practice, and international collaboration while helping to shape the future of the field.
WFSBP Young Investigator Awards
The WFSBP Young Investigator Awards recognise outstanding early-career psychiatrists, psychologists, and basic researchers under the age of 40 who contribute to advancing biological psychiatry. The awards support promising young scientists in presenting their work at the WFSBP World Congress and encourage international scientific exchange at an early stage of their careers.
Award Presentation
The Young Investigator Award Certificates will be presented during the WFSBP Awards Session on 28 August 2026, 5:00 - 6:30 pm.
Young Investigator Workshop
As part of the Early Career Programme, a Young Investigator Workshop will take place on 30 August 2026 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Learn more!
2026 Awardees
- Rahina Abubacker, India
- Nandhini Bojappen, India
- Julius Burkauskas, Lithuania
- Fumito Hamada, Japan
- Pooja Shakya, India
- Bhagyalakshmi Shankarappa, India
- Mini Sharma, India
- Ashitha Siddappa Niranjana Murthy, India
- Ranjit Singh, India
- Arshia Sood, India
- Shubham Upadhayay, India
- Licia Vellucci, Italy
WFSBP Distinguished Awards
The WFSBP Distinguished Awards honour individuals whose outstanding achievements have advanced research, education, and clinical practice in biological psychiatry. Presented during the WFSBP World Congress, these awards recognise lasting scientific contributions and exceptional commitment to the field.
WFSBP Research
Prize
Awarded to researchers who have made exceptional contributions to biological psychiatry research.
2026 Awardee
Professor Daniel Martins-de-Souza is recognised for his pioneering contributions to neuroproteomics and the molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and biomarkers for mental illness.
WFSBP Lifetime Achievement Award
Honouring senior researchers with a distinguished record of scientific leadership, mentorship, and long-term impact on the field.
2026 Awardee
Professor Perminder Sachdev receives the WFSBP Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding career and lasting contributions to neuropsychiatry, cognitive ageing, and dementia research. His keynote lecture during the Awards Session will address Covert cerebral small vessel disease in the ageing brain: a silent driver of neuropsychiatric morbidity.
WFSBP Award for Excellence in Education
For senior scientists whose lifework has significantly influenced education in biological psychiatry.
2026 Awardee
Professor Benicio Frey is honoured for his exceptional commitment to education, mentorship, and women's mental health. Alongside his research on mood disorders, brain imaging, and circadian rhythms, he has played an important role in training and supporting the next generation of clinicians and researchers.
will take place on 28 August 2026 from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. It will include the presentation of the Distinguished Awards, the Young Investigator Award Certificates and the keynote lecture by Professor Perminder Sachdev.