Thomas R. Insel

Thomas Roland Insel[1]
Born (1951-10-19) October 19, 1951 (age 72)
Dayton, Ohio, United States
Alma materBoston University (B.A.)
Boston University (M.D.)
Known forResearch on oxytocin and vasopressin and their impact on social behavior
Scientific career
InstitutionsNational Institute of Mental Health
Emory University
Notes
Paul A. Insel (brother)

Thomas Roland Insel (born October 19, 1951) is an American neuroscientist, psychiatrist, entrepreneur, and author who led the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) from 2002 until November 2015.[2] Prior to becoming Director of NIMH, he was the founding Director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.[3][4] He is best known for research on oxytocin and vasopressin, two peptide hormones implicated in complex social behaviors, such as parental care and attachment.[5][6] He announced on Sept. 15, 2015, that he was resigning as the director of the NIMH to join the Life Science division of Google X (now Verily Life Sciences).[7] On May 8, 2017, CNBC reported that he had left Verily Life Sciences.[8] Insel is a Co-founder with Richard Klausner and Paul Dagum of a digital mental health company named "Mindstrong,"[9] a Bay-area startup. He has also co-founded Humanest Care, NeuraWell Therapeutics, and MindSite News and is a member of the scientific advisory board for Compass Pathways, a company that is developing the psychedelic drug psilocybin to treat depression and other mental health disorders. His book, Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health was published by Penguin Random House in February, 2022.

  1. ^ "Medical Board of California Licensing Details for G 30484 - Insel, Thomas Roland". California Department of Consumer Affairs License Search Results. California DCA. Retrieved 30 Dec 2019.
  2. ^ Insel, Thomas R. (29 October 2015). "Post by Former NIMH Director Thomas Insel: Farewell". Blog Posts by Thomas Insel (Blog). NIMH. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  3. ^ "Washington in Brief". The Washington Post. 11 September 2002. p. A.05. ProQuest 409327125. Retrieved 13 May 2017.
  4. ^ "Thomas R. Insel, M.D." University of Michigan Depression Center. University of Michigan. Archived from the original on 29 August 2004.
  5. ^ "At NIMH, Outgrowing Jung Ideas; New Chief to Focus Studies On Genes and Neurobiology "The Washington Post Nov 13, 2002.[1]
  6. ^ "NIMH · Publications". Archived from the original on 2009-06-20. Retrieved 2012-12-11.
  7. ^ "NIH Director?s Statement Regarding Dr. Thomas Insel?s Departure - the NIH Director - National Institutes of Health (NIH)". Archived from the original on 2015-09-18. Retrieved 2015-09-15.
  8. ^ "Another high-profile departure for Alphabet's 'Other Bets': Thomas Insel leaves Verily". CNBC. 8 May 2017.
  9. ^ "Former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Thomas Insel, Joins Mindstrong Health as President and Co-Founder". Market Wired. 11 May 2017. Retrieved 1 February 2018.