20th Annual Prechter Lecture: Celebrating Legacy and the Future
University of Michigan
A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building
Kahn Auditorium
109 Zina Pitcher Place
Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
Public
About This Event
This fall marks the 20th Annual Prechter Lecture, a milestone celebration honoring two decades of research and education from the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program. On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, the Prechter Lecture will reflect on the past, present and future—highlighting the vision and legacy that launched the Prechter Program, the scientific discoveries and growth achieved over the years, and the next chapter of innovation in bipolar disorder.
This event will begin with a public reception from 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET in the A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building atrium. Light refreshments will be served during the reception. The Prechter Lecture programming will take place in Kahn Auditorium from 6:30 - 8:15 PM ET.
The 20th Annual Prechter Lecture will feature remarks from:
- Thomas J. Wang, M.D., Dean, University of Michigan Medical School; Josiah Macy, Jr. Professor; Chief Academic Officer, Michigan Medicine
- Waltraud “Wally” Prechter, Founder, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
- Stephanie Prechter, M.F.A., Prechter Advisory Board Member
- Melvin McInnis, M.D., Director, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
- Heather S., Research Participant, Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder
- Andy Jackson, Research Participant, Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder
- Hilary Blumberg, M.D., Director, Mood Disorders Research Program, Yale School of Medicine
- Paul Jenkins, Ph.D., Associate Director, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
- Sarah Sperry, Ph.D., Associate Director, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
- Alexandra Vinson, Ph.D., Co-Lead, Prechter Program Bipolar Disorder Learning Community
- Stephan F. Taylor, M.D., Daniel E. Offutt III Professor of Psychiatry, Chair, Department of Psychiatry
The Prechter Lecture is free and open to the public, and will be hosted for in-person and virtual attendance. Virtual attendees can watch the livestream of the Prechter Lecture on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 6:30 - 8:15 PM ET.
Registration is required: Register for the 20th Annual Prechter Lecture. Registered attendees will receive emails with event information.
Following the 20th Prechter Lecture, a recording of the event will be uploaded to the Prechter Program YouTube playlist.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 PM ET
Lecture Programming: 6:30 - 8:15 PM ET
Location:
University of Michigan
A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building
Kahn Auditorium
109 Zina Pitcher Place
Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
Presenters
Thomas J. Wang, M.D.
Dean, University of Michigan Medical School; Josiah Macy, Jr. Professor; Chief Academic Officer, Michigan Medicine
Waltraud “Wally” Prechter
Founder, Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Program
Stephanie Prechter, M.F.A.
Prechter Advisory Board Member
Melvin G McInnis, MD, FRCPsych
Professor
Heather S.
Research Participant, Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder
Andy Jackson
Research Participant, Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder
Hilary Blumberg, M.D.
Director, Mood Disorders Research Program, Yale School of Medicine
Paul M. Jenkins
Associate Professor
Sarah H Sperry, PhD
Assistant Professor
Alexandra Vinson, PhD
Assistant Professor
Stephan F. Taylor
Professor
