Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas has appointed Francesca Filbey, PhD, as its new Deputy Director of Research. In this critical leadership role, she will help shape and advance the center's research priorities while fostering collaboration across disciplines and institutions. Her focus will include advancing an integrated, forward-looking research strategy; strengthening faculty and staff engagement; expanding strategic partnerships; coordinating major interdisciplinary and translational initiatives; and representing the Center in university, scientific, philanthropic and broader external settings.
“”
“Center for BrainHealth has built a well-deserved reputation as a science pioneer, and I am proud to help accelerate our scientific excellence, strengthen our collaborations, and expand our impact as we advance the future of brain health for all,” said Filbey.
A world-renowned expert in the brain mechanisms of addictive disorders, she integrates cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, genetics, computational modeling, psychology and pharmacology to better understand the neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms that drive behavior. She authored The Neuroscience of Addiction – a landmark textbook in the field that is soon to be released in its second edition.As Director of the Neuroimaging of Reward Dynamics (NiRD) Lab and the Bert Moore Endowed Chair and Professor at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Filbey has built an internationally recognized research program. She has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health and other agencies for more than a decade (currently, she is PI on 3 active NIH-funded studies), published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, served in key editorial and scientific review roles – and is an elected Fellow of some of the field's most prestigious organizations, the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying reward, motivation and substance use disorders, helping identify targets for prevention and intervention. The societal impact of this research is substantial, as addictive disorders continue to pose significant challenges to public health, morbidity and mortality worldwide.Beyond her remarkable scientific accomplishments, Filbey brings extensive institutional knowledge, having served 8 years as UTD’s Senior Associate Provost for Faculty Success and Area Head of Cognition and Neuroscience. In her new BrainHealth role, she will continue to support the university’s emphasis on academic and research excellence as part of its Roadmap 2030.“”
“Francesca brings significant executive leadership experience and a deep commitment to our mission,” said Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD, founder and chief director of Center for BrainHealth, and Dee Wyly Distinguished Professor in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at UT Dallas. “Her long-standing contributions to Center for BrainHealth and her dedication to our research teams, public awareness, science and future growth make her exceptionally well suited for this new role.”
She will be a featured speaker in the center’s popular BrainHealth Presents speaker series, joining a panel of experts on November 19 for Mission Restored: Novel Treatments for Veterans.CONTACT
Stephanie Hoefken
stephanie.hoefken@utdallas.edu
