Research

Brief Scientific Biography

Prof. Dr. Lukas Pezawas combines psychiatric patient care with innovative cutting-edge research. After his clinical training at the Medical University of Vienna (1994–2001), he conducted research as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) in Bethesda, USA (2001–2005), where he published foundational work on imaging genetics of mood disorders. His research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms of depression, particularly the identification of fMRI biomarkers for predicting antidepressant response. Since 2005, he has led a research group at the Medical University of Vienna. A visiting professorship at Stanford University (2015) expanded his expertise in the field of digital interventions. Currently, his focus is on the development and clinical evaluation of Digital Health Applications (DiGAs) as well as the systematic investigation of treatment-resistant depression within the Vienna TRD Registry.

Research Focus Areas

- Imaging Genetics & Neuroplasticity in Depression
- Digital Health Applications (DiGAs) for Mood Disorders
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Prediction of Antidepressant Response Using fMRI
- Mediators and Moderators of Pharmacotherapy

Research Stays

1992: Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, University of Maryland, USA
2001–2005: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, Bethesda, USA
2015: Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, CA, USA

Research Funding & Awards

Completion of numerous externally funded research projects supported by the FWF, OeNB, FFG, and international research institutes. Recipient of numerous scientific awards and member of international medical societies.

Publikationen & Wissenschaftliches Profil

- Google Scholar
- Pubmed
- ORCID
- ResearchGate
- ResearcherID