ISCDD Honors Dr. Sharon Mates, PhD, and Dr. Steven Paul, MD with Leadership Award

Celebrating Excellence in CNS Drug Development

The International Society for CNS Drug Development (ISCDD) has recognized two exceptional leaders in the field of central nervous system drug development, honoring Dr. Sharon Mates and Dr. Steven Paul with its prestigious Leadership Award during its 23rd Annual Meeting. This event, held on March 20, 2025, in Las Vegas, highlighted the significant contributions made by these individuals to the advancement of therapeutic approaches for CNS disorders.

Leadership Recognized

Presented by Dr. Amir Kalali and Dr. Bill Martin, the awards celebrate Dr. Mates and Dr. Paul’s remarkable dedication and impact on CNS research and drug development. Dr. Kalali remarked on Dr. Mates' unique blend of skills, stating that her background in neuropsychopharmacology paired with business acumen has fostered the development of innovative treatments for patients over many decades.

Dr. Paul, recognized for his commitment to developing breakthrough therapies, has similarly made a lasting impact in the field. Dr. Martin noted, "Dr. Sharon Mates' visionary leadership and commitment to innovation have helped transform the CNS drug development landscape." He praised her scientific expertise and unwavering curiosity, which has driven her contributions to the industry.

Innovating for Patients

In accepting her award, Dr. Mates expressed gratitude towards the dedicated team at ITCI, highlighting that their collaboration has played a crucial role in striving for medical advancements. She stated, "I am inspired every day by their commitment to advancing our understanding of the brain. We are proud of the hundreds of thousands of patients we have helped."

Dr. Paul echoed similar sentiments, expressing his appreciation for the ISCDD community, recognizing the unique challenges faced in the development of medicines for complex conditions. He asserted that this award encapsulates the collective achievements made possible by their collaborative efforts, stating, "My gratitude extends well beyond receiving this award—and is really on behalf of the millions of patients and their families who benefit from our collaborative work."

ISCDD's Commitment to CNS Development

ISCDD, which was founded in 2002, serves as an independent non-profit forum aiming to enhance collaboration among academia, industry, and government stakeholders to promote innovation in CNS drug development. Its mission underscores the importance of building partnerships and sharing knowledge to expedite the delivery of vital therapies to patients in need.

The ceremony not only honored individual excellence but also underscored the broader commitment of ISCDD to advancing CNS drug development. As the field continues to evolve, the contributions of leaders like Dr. Mates and Dr. Paul serve as a testament to the potential that lies within collaborative science and dedicated research.

For more information about ISCDD and ongoing efforts in CNS drug development, interested parties can reach out to the ISCDD Secretariat via phone or email, or visit their LinkedIn page for updates on future events and initiatives.