Barch wins major national psychology prize

February 4, 2026 - 03:15

Deanna Barch, a leading psychology researcher at Washington University in St. Louis, has been honored with the Atkinson Prize in Psychological and Cognitive Sciences from the National Academy of Sciences. This award stands as one of the highest distinctions within the field of psychology.

The prize recognizes Barch's decades of groundbreaking work, which has profoundly advanced the understanding of mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia and depression. Her innovative research has bridged clinical psychology, cognitive science, and neurobiology, utilizing brain imaging to explore the connections between brain function, behavior, and psychological disorders.

Barch's influential contributions have not only deepened scientific knowledge but have also paved the way for more effective approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The National Academy of Sciences awards the Atkinson Prize to individuals whose research has significantly shaped the scientific landscape. This accolade underscores Barch's status as a preeminent scientist whose work continues to illuminate the complex mechanisms of the human mind and mental health.