SAN MATEO, CALIF. -- Baszucki Group announced the six recipients of the first-ever Metabolic Psychiatry Scholar Award, a new initiative that supports exceptional early-career scientists and clinicians working to advance understanding of the connection between metabolic health and mental health. The award represents a significant step forward in growing the rapidly advancing field of metabolic psychiatry.

The six scholars will each receive up to $150,000 over 18 months for original research in metabolic psychiatry. The award program advances Baszucki Group’s mission to transform mental health outcomes through research at the intersection of metabolism, psychiatry, and neuroscience. Scholars will also receive mentorship, professional development, and communication support to amplify the impact of their research. The awards expand Baszucki Group’s research priorities into new diagnoses, genetics, novel combinations of treatment modalities, and implementation science.

“This award provides vital support for exceptional early-career scientists, allowing them to jumpstart innovative projects that don’t fit more traditional funding sources,” said Jan Ellison Baszucki, co-founder and president of Baszucki Group. “These outstanding awardees now have an opportunity to bring metabolic psychiatry approaches into the mainstream, paving the way for access to new treatments for the patients who need them most.”

The scholars’ work falls broadly into two subcategories: research and clinical capacity-building. Four of the awardees are engaged in translational and clinical research into the links between metabolic health and mental health:

Jacek Kolacz, PhD, Research Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University is an expert in brain-body responses to chronic stress and trauma recovery. His project, titled, “Enhancing PTSD Recovery with Metabolic-Augmented Psychotherapy” will investigate the combined effectiveness of cognitive processing therapy and metabolic therapy.

Eline Dekeyster, PhD, Assistant Professor at Leiden University, leads the Lifestyle Brain Interaction research group. Her project, “KETASE: Ketogenic Therapy for ASD: Sustainability and Efficacy,” will examine the clinical efficacy and long-term sustainability of ketogenic therapy for adults with autism, while also exploring biomarkers for outcome prediction.

Sean Nestor, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, is a pioneer in combining neuroimaging and neuromodulation to understand the mechanisms of neurological and psychiatric disorders. His proposed work, “Ketogenic enhancement of therapeutic brain stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial,” will combine ketogenic therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation in a first-of-its-kind trial.

Gabriel Fries, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is an expert in the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of severe mental illnesses. His project, “Deciphering the complex link between diet, metabolic dysfunction, and suicide risk,” will aim to identify the link between dietary and metabolic parameters and suicide risk.

Two of the awards will support clinical capacity-building projects, expanding support for ketogenic therapy across the UK and Canada:

Fabiano Alves Gomes, MD, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor at McMaster University, is an expert in bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression and works extensively on implementing evidence-based interventions, including metabolic health and lifestyle factors. His project, “Integrating Nutritional Ketosis, Lifestyle Therapies, and Translational Research into Clinical Practice,” will establish a comprehensive Metabolic Psychiatry Program in Canada.

Erin L Bellamy, MSc, PhD, Chartered Psychologist, Ketogenic Specialist and Research Fellow at the University of East London provides Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy support to clients with a wide range of physical and mental health issues through private practice. Her project, titled, “Implementing Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy for Mental Illness: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Trial of an Online Psychoeducational and Support Program,” will expand on her pre-existing treatment program and support a rigorous evaluation protocol.

“The strength of the candidates who applied to this open call highlights the global enthusiasm to explore metabolic psychiatry's potential,” said Julie Milder, PhD, Director of Neuroscience at Baszucki Group. “From foundational research to clinical capacity building, their work has the potential to revolutionize patient treatment. We anticipate that this award marks the start of a lasting initiative that will continue to support the field for years to come.”