Dr. Longabaugh’s affiliation with CAAS goes back almost to the Center’s inception, when, in 1984, as Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, he became a core CAAS faculty member. By 1987 he was co-directing the CAAS postdoctoral program, a position he held until 2000. During this period he mentored many trainees and directed numerous studies of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of alcohol treatment, while assisting other CAAS colleagues in the development of their research ideas. A recognized leader in alcohol treatment research, Dr. Longabaugh is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and has published over 249 research articles and books. In 1999 he received the Dan Anderson Research Award from the Hazelden Foundation for his research contribution to the recovery process and just last year he won the Distinguished Researcher Award from the Research Society on Alcoholism. And now he is giving back.
“The Richard and Diane Longabaugh Trainee Research Development Fund,” includes $25,000 of funds recently awarded by the estate of Mr. James H. Tharp in honor of Dr. Longabaugh. This award was given in recognition of Dr. Longabaugh’s significant accomplishments over his career in the area of alcoholism research and treatment. As part of the application for the award, CAAS Director Dr. Peter Monti, proposed a 1:1 match of the award, to create an endowment of $50,000 to fund professional development activities and/or pilot studies to advance the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies’ research in the area of alcoholism treatment. The Longabaugh Research Development Fund will be directed to fund the pilot research of a promising CAAS postdoctoral fellow working in the alcohol area. Dr. Monti notes that "directing these monies to the work of a future alcohol researcher will help to ensure the legacy of Dr. Longabaugh's substantial contributions to the alcohol field. CAAS is most grateful for his gererousity."