Dr. Mark A. Geyer is a distinguished neuroscientist renowned for his pioneering work in psychopharmacology and behavioral neuroscience at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He currently holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Neurosciences Emeritus while previously serving as Vice-Chair for Scientific Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Founding Director of the Center for Psychedelic Research at UCSD. With a doctoral degree earned in 1972, his career spans over five decades of groundbreaking research on psychoactive substances and their effects on human behavior. Dr. Geyer's leadership extends to his previous role directing the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit of the VISN 22 VA's Mental Illness Research, Clinical, and Education Center, establishing him as a central figure in translational neuroscience.
Dr. Geyer's research has profoundly advanced our understanding of the psychophysiology and neurobiology underlying psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with over 540 peer-reviewed publications that have collectively been cited more than 71,000 times. His laboratory has maintained continuous funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse since 1981, producing critical insights into the mechanisms of action for psychostimulants, psychedelics, and entactogens that have bridged basic science with clinical applications. He has been internationally recognized for developing methodological frameworks that have become standard in behavioral psychopharmacology research, particularly in the study of sensorimotor gating and information processing deficits in psychiatric conditions. His work has provided foundational knowledge that continues to inform contemporary research on psychedelic-assisted therapies and novel treatment approaches for severe mental illness.
Beyond his research contributions, Dr. Geyer has played a pivotal role in shaping the scientific community through his leadership in major initiatives including the NIMH-funded MATRICS, TURNS, and CNTRICS Programs that advanced treatment development for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. He served as Series Editor for Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences from 2009 to 2023, completing over 65 volumes that have influenced generations of researchers across multiple disciplines. His exceptional mentorship was recognized with the 2014 Julius Axelrod Mentorship Award from the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, highlighting his commitment to training the next generation of scientists. As an Emeritus Professor, Dr. Geyer continues to provide invaluable scientific expertise to the Heffter Research Institute, supporting the development of robust research programs focused on the clinical applications of psychedelic agents while maintaining an active role in advancing the field through editorial and advisory capacities.
