Nelson B. Freimer

Nelson B. Freimer, MD, is the Maggie G. Gilbert Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Human Genetics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He holds dual appointments as Professor-in-Residence in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and in the Department of Human Genetics within the David Geffen School of Medicine. Dr. Freimer is the Founding Director of the UCLA Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics and the UCLA Neuroscience Genomics Core, and he leads the university-wide UCLA Depression Grand Challenge (DGC), which aims to cut the global burden of depression in half by 2050.

Education: He earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1978, followed by an MD from Ohio State University in 1982. He completed a Fellowship in Pediatrics at UCSF in 1983, a Psychiatry residency at UCSF in 1987, and a Fellowship in Psychiatry & Genetics at Columbia University in 1990.

Research Interests: Dr. Freimer's research focuses on using large-scale genomics and innovative behavioral phenotyping to uncover the genetic basis of complex neurobehavioral disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and Tourette syndrome. He integrates multi-omics approaches (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics) with digital phenotyping using smartphones and electronic health records to advance precision psychiatry. His work spans diverse populations, with particular emphasis on Latin American and African ancestries to address global health disparities.

Research Trends: His recent publications reveal a convergence of large-scale GWAS, rare variant discovery, and integrative multi-omics analyses to elucidate the biological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders. Studies emphasize cross-disorder genetic overlap, environmental interactions, and the role of synaptic and immune pathways. Digital mental health tools and geospatial epidemiology in Colombia further highlight his commitment to translational and global mental health research.

Scientific Awards & Honors: While specific awards are not listed in the provided text, Dr. Freimer holds an endowed chair and distinguished professorship, reflecting significant recognition in his field.

Grants & Leadership: He has served as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator on numerous NIH and foundation grants, including:

• Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (2024–2025)
• Impact of COVID-19 on Severe Mental Illness (2023–2026)
• Genetic Discovery in Latin American and African Ancestries (2020–2025)
• Latin American Biobank for Mental Illness Genetics (2020–2025)
• Tourette Syndrome Genetics (2018–2023)
• UCLA Depression Grand Challenge (ongoing)

Labs & Cores: He founded and directs the UCLA Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics and the UCLA Neuroscience Genomics Core, which provide cutting-edge resources for genomics and neurobehavioral research.