Obituary of Thomas Lehner
November 6, 2024
Born August 29, 1960 ~ Passed November 6, 2024
~beloved by many~
Born in Austria on August 29, 1960, Dr. Lehner earned his Ph.D. in Human Biology from The University of Vienna, Austria, and went on to hold prominent academic and research positions at Columbia University, The Rockefeller University, Gencentrix, Millennium Pharmaceuticals, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and, most recently, the New York Genome Center (NYGC) where he served as the Scientific Director for Neuropsychiatric Disease Genomics.
Dr. Thomas Lehner was not only an exceptional scientist but also a generous mentor, colleague, and friend. He inspired countless early-career researchers, offering guidance, wisdom, and encouragement. Known for his intellectual rigor, curiosity, and kindness, Dr. Lehner fostered a collaborative environment, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible in scientific discovery while staying deeply committed to addressing historical disparities in genomics, advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in neuropsychiatric research to reduce health inequities and improve outcomes for marginalized populations.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Lehner authored or co-authored numerous influential papers, received prestigious awards, and was a valued member of many international research initiatives. He developed thirty Research Initiatives at NIMH and took the lead on six Trans-NIH Research Initiatives for the Institute. At the NYGC, Dr. Lehner built a Neuropsychiatric Disease Genomics program, recruiting key faculty members and crafting pivotal multi-institutional interdisciplinary collaborations.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Thomas Lehner was beloved for his warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to family and friends. His commitment to exercising and working out was unparallelled, as was his love for Africa, nature and good bread.
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Honored to be by your side throughout. Love you.
Posted by: Marlene Guzman - Falls Church, VA - Friend November 8, 2024
Thomas was one of a kind. He will be deeply missed by those of us who worked with him at NIMH. I have tremendous admiration for his scientific creativity, his collegiality, and his compassion. Sending my condolences to his family and loved ones.
Posted by: Holly Lisanby - Bethesda, MD - Coworker November 9, 2024
Thomas was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor and a sincere drive to help people through his love of science. Each and every time that I saw him striding down the hallway he would have that great smile and a kind word. He was one in a million for sure. Sleep well dear Thomas. You have accomplished great things
Posted by: Pamela Shell - Montgomery Village, MD - Coworker November 10, 2024
We miss you and what we had. Bussi Ursula and Johannes
Posted by: Ursula Lehner - Vienna, Austria - Family November 11, 2024
Saying goodbye to a dear friend. You helped me through one of the toughest times in my life... the day I learned my mother passed away from her battle with alzheimer. That day was tough and leaning this news is equally tough.i didn't know how to handle such a loss and you helped me groeve.Thank you for being a dear Thomas. Although you and I lost touch over the years, I always thought about you my friend. I know and seen the pain you went through. Now... there's no more pain. It has been a pleasure knowing you, my scientist friend. Rest Well! And to the family, I send my deepest condolences and prayers during this, your time of grief. ???? Reveo
Posted by: Guillermo l Turnbull - Washington, DC - Friend November 12, 2024
Thomas and I were colleagues at the NIMH where we collaborated often on genetics initiatives. Although my training was not in genetics, Thomas was gracious, patient and helpful in bringing us all up to speed in a complex topic. I had great respect for him and will miss him.
Posted by: Douglas Meinecke - Tampa, FL - Coworker November 12, 2024
I'm going to miss you my dear friend. See you on the other side! <3
Posted by: Angela Christofides - Jacksonville, FL - Friend November 13, 2024
Miss you Thomas! A decade of working with you was a great pleasure. Your mentorship, friendship, and support helped me in my professional and personal growth.
Posted by: Geetha Senthil - Rockville, MD - Coworker November 19, 2024
You’ve always been a good person and your good deeds will always be remembered .Rest easy Thomas
Posted by: Alex Kim - Accra Ghana, - Friend November 24, 2024
Thomas was a beautiful and sensitive soul who made significant contributions to the field too numerous to count. He had a kind and gentle heart and his humanity was matched by a very quick wit, intellect, and scientific curiosity. His bravery in the face of terrible health challenges was truly inspirational, and our time together are memories that I will always hold dear. The world is definitely less bright without him, and he will be profoundly missed.
Posted by: Steven Moldin - Los Angeles, CA - Friend November 27, 2024