Eric Nestler is the Nash Family Professor of Neuroscience, chair of the Department of Neuroscience and director of the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Nestler received his Ph.D. and M.D and did his psychiatry residency training at Yale University. He served on the Yale faculty from 1987 to 2000, and was their director of the Division of Molecular Psychiatry. From 2000 to 2008, before moving to Mount Sinai, Nestler was professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. 

Nestler’s research focuses on understanding the molecular basis of addiction and depression. Using animal models, his laboratory has provided numerous insights into our understanding of these psychiatric disorders, resulting in the publication of over 400 book chapters and peer-reviewed research articles. With the molecular insights his laboratory has gained, Nestler has also worked to develop improved treatments for individuals suffering from addiction and depression. In recognition of his outstanding achievements in the fields of addiction and depression, Nestler has been honored with numerous scientific achievement awards.

Nestler currently serves as president of the Society of Neuroscience. In addition to his role on the SFARI Scientific Advisory Board, Nestler is on the scientific advisory boards of a number of additional companies and research organizations. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.