Alabama Psychopathy Researcher Wins Award Named for Influential Forensic Psychologist
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013Each year, the American Academy of Forensic Psychology (AAFP) and the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS, Division 41 of the American Psychological Association) jointly present the Saleem Shah Early Career Development Award.
Saleem A.Shah, Ph.D. was a highly esteemed psychologist. In fact, he was so influential that some credit him with helping to establish the specialty of forensic psychology.
While working at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), Shah directed, for nearly 20 years, an interdisciplinary research program focused on antisocial and violent behavior. The program was first called the Center for Studies of Crime and Delinquency and later known as the Antisocial and Violent Behavior Branch.
He had a special interest in the relationship between mental health and the law and, in his role at NIMH, helped form the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.
Known as a man of strong conscience with deep concern for patients and their rights, he spoke all over the world, urging people to make sure that psychology was used in society in a compassionate and ethical way.
Tragically, Shah died in a car accident in 1992.
The award bearing his name has been presented annually, since 1995, to a young professional who demonstrates “significant early career achievement in forensic psychology or related fields of law.” (more…)