Alan I. Leshner, Ph.D.

Following the film, Dr. Alan I. Leshner, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) led a discussion and took questions from the audience. Dr. Leshner was appointed director of NIDA in 1994. One of NIH's scientific institutes, NIDA supports over 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. Prior to joining NIDA, Dr. Leshner had been with the National Institute of Mental Health since 1988, holding the positions of deputy director, then acting director. Dr. Leshner also held positions at the National Science Foundation and Bucknell University.

For a more detailed biography, visit the Director's Page at the NIDA Web site.