Nora Volkow

Nora Volkow

Nora Volkow is a prominent figure in the field of medicine and neuroscience, known for her extensive research on drug addiction and its effects on the brain. Born in Mexico, Volkow's passion for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction has led her to become the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States, a position she has held since 2003. Volkow's research has significantly advanced the scientific community's understanding of addiction as a disease of the brain, challenging the stigma associated with drug abuse and advocating for evidence-based approaches to treatment and prevention. Her work has focused on the use of imaging techniques to study the brain's reward system and how drugs of abuse alter its function. Volkow's studies have also explored the links between drug addiction, obesity, and other brain disorders, highlighting the complex interplay between reward mechanisms and various health conditions. Throughout her career, Volkow has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science and medicine. She is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "Top 100 People Who Shape Our World" for her groundbreaking research and advocacy. Volkow's commitment to public health extends beyond her research. She has been instrumental in developing and promoting policies aimed at reducing the harm of drug abuse and addiction, both in the United States and internationally. Her efforts include raising awareness about the opioid crisis, advocating for the integration of addiction treatment into healthcare systems, and supporting research on innovative therapies for addiction. In addition to her role at NIDA, Volkow has authored and co-authored hundreds of scientific articles, book chapters, and reports. Her work continues to influence the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience, inspiring new generations of researchers to explore the complexities of the human brain and the challenges of addiction.