New York, Oct. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) today announced that the 2026 Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health will be awarded to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the leading national not-for-profit organization focused specifically on understanding the biological and psychological causes of suicide and preventing suicide.
Founded in 1987, AFSP is being recognized by the Pardes Prize Committee for its sustained investment in rigorous scientific research, which has fundamentally shaped knowledge of the neurobiology, psychology, and epidemiology of suicidal behavior. AFSP has been one of the earliest and most consistent supporters of researchers in the field, including many whose work now defines the scientific landscape of suicide research.
Established in 2014 and awarded annually, the Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health recognizes a physician, scientist, public citizen, or organization whose extraordinary contribution has made a profound impact on advancing the understanding of mental health and providing hope and healing for people living with mental illness. The Prize is named in honor of Herbert Pardes, M.D., the award's first recipient.
Pardes Prize 2026: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
AFSP-supported research has identified biological markers and neurochemical pathways, clarified risk and protective factors across development, and informed evidence-based interventions that are now used in clinical and community settings.
AFSP has also been instrumental in nurturing early-career investigators, helping ensure a strong and innovative pipeline of scientists dedicated to suicide prevention. This longstanding support has helped advance the field while building the next generation of researchers.
Beyond its research portfolio, AFSP has demonstrated extraordinary humanitarian impact through education, community engagement, and advocacy, extending the reach of suicide prevention efforts to individuals and communities across the country.
“The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention exemplifies the purpose of the Pardes Humanitarian Prize,” said Jeffrey Borenstein, M.D., President & CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. “Its sustained commitment to rigorous science has fundamentally shaped our understanding of suicidal behavior, while its education, community engagement, and advocacy have brought that knowledge into the lives of people and communities. AFSP’s support for both established and early-career researchers has also helped build a strong and innovative scientific pipeline dedicated to suicide prevention.”
About the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF) awards research grants to develop improved treatments, cures, and methods of prevention for mental illness. These illnesses include addiction, ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, depression, eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, and schizophrenia, as well as research on suicide prevention. Since 1987, the Foundation has awarded more than $487 million to fund more than 5,900 leading scientists around the world. 100% of every dollar donated for research is invested in research. BBRF operating expenses are covered by separate foundation grants. BBRF is the producer of the Emmy®-nominated public television series Healthy Minds with Dr. Jeffrey Borenstein, which aims to remove the stigma of mental illness and demonstrate that with help, there is hope.
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Myrna Manners Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (718) 986-7255 mmanners@mannerspr.com