Elisabeth Binder

Elisabeth Binder is a Professor and Director of the Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany. She holds dual doctorates in medicine (University of Vienna) and neuroscience (Emory University) and has previously served as faculty at Emory University's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Research Interests focus on creating a biology-based taxonomy of psychiatric diseases through:

• Investigating genetic and epigenetic factors in stress response
• Identifying biomarkers for psychiatric disorders
• Characterizing molecular pathways of risk and resilience
• Developing transdiagnostic approaches to mental health
• Studying the FKBP5 gene as a therapeutic target
• Exploring stress impacts across developmental stages

Recent publications demonstrate expertise in epigenetics, stress-related disorders, and gene-environment interactions, with notable work on cortisol signaling (2015), PTSD biomarkers (2013), and brain aging mechanisms (2024). Her research combines genomic profiling with translational approaches to identify early intervention targets.

Awards & Memberships:

• Elected to the National Academy of Medicine (2020)
• Received Eva King-Killam Research Award (2016)
• Honored with Carus Medal from Leopoldina (2017)
• Key roles in international societies including ACNP and ISPG

Lab Leadership includes graduate school affiliations with the International Max Planck Research School and supervision of multiple PhD students including Laura Leuchs and Maximilian Schneider.