- The International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA) has appointed The Florey’s Professor Andrew Lawrence as their new President.
- ISBRA is one of the two official non-State actors of the World Health Organization (WHO) specialised in drug and alcohol.
- Professor Lawrence received his appointment at the 2024 World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions, hosted in Melbourne.
A global leadership in alcohol research
Professor Andrew Lawrence, Deputy Director and Head of the Addiction Neuroscience Group at The Florey, has been appointed as the new President of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA).
Outgoing ISBRA President (2022-2024) Professor Sung-Gon Kim announced Professor Lawrence’s new role during a gathering at the 2024 World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions, held in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA) is an official non-State actor of the World Health Organization.
ISBRA’s mission is to promote excellence in all aspects of alcohol research, to advance the knowledge and treatment of alcohol use disorders and addiction.
The World Congress on Alcohol and Addictions brought together researchers, clinicians and policy makers from different countries and disciplines to discuss approaches to minimise harm from alcohol, addictive behaviours and other psychoactive substances – including the mechanisms of harm, prevention, brief interventions and treatment.
Professor Andrew Lawrence is looking forward to his new chapter as ISBRA President.
He leads The Florey’s Addiction Neuroscience Group and has conducted research into therapeutic targets for alcohol and substance use disorder for over 30 years.
It is a great honour to be appointed as the new President of ISBRA, a world leader in alcohol research. Together, I look forward to advancing our knowledge in improved strategies and treatments for people with alcohol and substance use disorder.
“It’s important to bring to the forefront the impact alcohol has in society, while also destigmatising this medical condition,” Professor Lawrence says. “Addiction is a complex problem that people should be encouraged to seek help for. It has a huge impact on the economy and social fabric of our society.”
