Dr. Steven Maier is a distinguished scholar and leader in neuroscience who serves as Director of the Center for Neuroscience at the University of Colorado Boulder. He holds the prestigious title of University of Colorado Distinguished Professor, reflecting his exceptional contributions to academic research and teaching. After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1968, Dr. Maier joined the University of Colorado faculty in 1973, establishing a fifty-year tenure at the institution. Although officially retired from regular teaching duties, he remains actively engaged in research and continues to provide strategic leadership for the Center for Neuroscience. His enduring commitment to advancing scientific knowledge has cemented his reputation as one of the university's most influential researchers.
Dr. Maier's groundbreaking research has fundamentally shaped the field of psychoneuroimmunology through his investigations of bi-directional communication between the brain and immune system. His seminal work on the neurochemistry of stress, particularly the conceptualization of 'learned helplessness,' has provided critical insights into how stressors impact brain chemistry and behavior. His research has elucidated complex mechanisms through which the brain regulates immune processes and how immune cell products signal the brain, with significant implications for understanding stress-related disorders. With over 250 scientific papers and 300 abstracts to his name, Dr. Maier's work has established foundational principles that continue to guide research in stress physiology and neuroimmune interactions. His NIH-supported research has included both career and MERIT awards, underscoring the sustained excellence and importance of his scientific contributions.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Maier has profoundly influenced the scientific community through his rigorous mentorship and leadership in advancing psychoneuroimmunology as a discipline. He has received numerous prestigious honors including the Norman Cousins and Neal Miller Distinguished Lectureships, and holds fellowships in the American Psychological Association, Association for Psychological Science, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. His laboratory has served as a training ground for generations of neuroscientists, with his meticulous approach to experimental design and interpretation setting the gold standard in the field. Dr. Maier recently concluded his tenure as Associate Editor of Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, having shaped the journal's direction for many years. Currently, he continues to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immune-to-brain signaling, with particular focus on their implications for understanding mood disturbances, cognitive impairment, and pain states, ensuring his legacy of scientific excellence continues to evolve.
