Michael R. Irwin

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Michael R. Irwin is an American academic and the Norman Cousins Chair of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles. He is a Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.[1][2][3][4]

Education and early life[edit]

Irwin was born and raised in a small town in rural Wyoming. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the College of arts and sciences at the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained a degree in Biophysics in 1976.[5][6]

He began his medical training at the University of Colorado and completed it at the University of California, San Diego in 1981. He completed this psychiatry training at UCLA in 1985, including research training psychoneuroimmunology.[7]

Career[edit]

Irwin was a Professor of Psychiatry at University of California, San Diego (1985 to 2001), and was subsequently appointed Norman Cousins Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science at UCLA. He currently serves as Director of the Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology and Director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center.[8]

He was also the associate director of the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior (2019–2021) and Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science (2019–2021).[9]

Irwin has served as an Associate Editor for three journals related to his research interests including Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, Psychosomatic Medicine and Sleep. He has held a leadership position as president for the PNIRS; Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research, and American Psychosomatic Society.[10][11][12]

Scientific contributions[edit]

Irwin has authored over 500 research articles. His early work examined the role of psychological stress in immune system function and resistance to cancer, and the central neuropeptide and adrenergic mechanisms by which the brain regulates immunity.[13][14][15]

His research has shown that interventions such as mindfulness meditation and tai chi can improve sleep quality, boost anti-viral immunity, and reduce systemic inflammation. Notably, his studies have indicated that treating insomnia can prevent depression, offering new avenues for preventive interventions in mental health.[16][17]

Awards and recognition[edit]

Irwin has received the Norman Cousins Award from the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society, the Martica Hall Sleep Medicine Award from the American Psychosomatic Society, and the Charlton Award from Tufts University for his work in integrative medicine.[18]

PNIRS recognized his contributions and founded the Michael Irwin Equity and Diversity Awards 2020.[19]

Selected publications[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Cousins - Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior". Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
  2. ^ Gorham, Meg. "Awards & Lectures". www.pnirs.org.
  3. ^ Smith, Stephen (13 February 2007). "Embrace your siesta for a healthy heart - Health & Science - International Herald Tribune". The New York Times.
  4. ^ "How to Get Better Sleep When You Have IBD". Time (magazine). 11 April 2023.
  5. ^ "Michael Irwin, M.D. – UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI)". Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
  6. ^ Hasan, Nafis (10 October 2017). "Michael Irwin, MD, to deliver 42nd Charlton Lecture, Oct 25". Tufts University.
  7. ^ "Dr. Martica Hall Award in Sleep Medicine". American Psychosomatic Society.
  8. ^ "Psychoneuroimmunology, Norman Cousins Center for PNI at UCLA -- Weiner Biography". The Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology.
  9. ^ "Michael Irwin, M.D." Best Doctors in America. 23 January 2017.
  10. ^ "Leadership". Academy of Behavioral Medicine Research.
  11. ^ "Past Presidents". American Psychosomatic Society.
  12. ^ Gorham, Meg. "Awards & Lectures". www.pnirs.org.
  13. ^ "To boost immunity, forget 'magic pills.' Focus on sleep, exercise, diet and cutting stress". The Washington Post.
  14. ^ "Frisca L. Yan-Go, MD Lectureship in Sleep Medicine". www.uclahealth.org.
  15. ^ Gleeson, Scott. "Clinical study shows therapeutic sleep training for older adults can prevent depression". USA Today.
  16. ^ LaMotte, Sandee (24 November 2021). "Sleep training for adults prevents depression, study finds". CNN.
  17. ^ "CBT Prevents Depression in Up to 50% of Patients With Insomnia". Medscape.
  18. ^ "ESIM AWARD". European Society for Integrative Medicine.
  19. ^ "Meeting Awards". PNIRS.
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