2025 RÜDIGER MÜLLER-ISBERNER AWARD

Dr. Rüdiger Müller-Isberner retired from the Board of the IAFMHS in 2014, before presenting as keynote speaker at the IAFMHS conference in Manchester in 2015. His contributions to the IAFMHS have been significant, both in supporting the association from its inception and as a role model for others in the field, particularly with respect to integrating science and practice.

The Rüdiger Müller-Isberner award is intended to celebrate his contributions to the field and the Association, by honoring a long-standing member of the association whose career epitomizes the fusion of clinical practice, scholarly research, and mentorship. The awardee can come from any discipline, and can be either a primary researcher who focuses on clear clinical applications (e.g., treatment or assessment of forensic populations) or a clinician who has made substantial research contributions to the implementation of best practices.

We are pleased to announce this year’s Rüdiger Müller-Isberner Award winner is

Professor Lindsay Thomson, United Kingdom

Lindsay is Professor of Forensic Psychiatry at the University of Edinburgh; and Director of the Forensic Mental Health Services Managed Care Network and the School of Forensic Mental Health in Scotland. She has been Medical Director of the State Hospitals Board for Scotland since 2007.

Lindsay’s research interests include recovery and outcomes in mentally disordered offenders, risk, the impact of legislative change, and interventions and service design. Research findings are implemented through the Forensic Network. She has published on international comparisons of forensic mental health services throughout the world and worked with IAFMHS colleagues on establishing key factors for clinical services.

She has a particular interest in teaching and established the School of Forensic Mental Health. The School won the Scottish Public Service Award for Employee Engagement and Skills. Lindsay was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in medical education.

She co-authored the first textbook on psychiatry and the Scottish legal system and legislation: Mental Health and Scots Law in Practice which is now in its second edition.



Past Award Recipients

2025 - Anne Crocker, Canada

2024 - Stephen D. Hart, Canada

2023 - James R.P. Ogloff, Australia

2022 - Michael Doyle, The United Kingdom

2021 - Gary Chaimowitz, Canada

2020 - Corine de Ruiter, The Netherlands

2019 - Ron Roesch, Canada

2018 - Mike Harris, The United Kingdom

2017 - Stål Bjørkly, Norway

2016 (Inaugural Award) - Rüdiger Müller-Isberner 



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