David Hodgins to deliver UCalgary’s 2025 Lecture of a Lifetime

Exploring the complex world of addiction recovery requires a deep understanding of both the challenges faced and the pathways to healing. A University of Calgary scholar will bring his insights about this to Lecture of a Lifetime 2025.

Dr. David Hodgins, PhD, a distinguished figure in the field of addiction research and treatment, has gained a wealth of experience over more than three decades researching substance use and gambling disorders. 

In this year’s Lecture of a Lifetime, Hodgins will share his extensive knowledge of the causes and potential treatment of addictive behaviours. "The Long and Winding Road: Insights into Addiction Recovery” promises to provide an enlightening perspective on the complexities of addiction and highlight the impact of research and treatment innovations on the journey towards recovery.

Celebrating a notable career

Hodgins is a professor in the Department of Psychology and principal investigator of the Addictive Behaviours Lab. As an internationally recognized voice in gambling and addiction studies, he has developed brief treatment and relapse-prevention strategies used by mental health services worldwide.

“What really stands out for me in David’s work is its applied and practical nature,” says Dr. Deborah Dobson, PhD, who first met Hodgins when he was a clinical and research psychologist in the Addictions Program at Foothills Hospital in 1989. “His work on expanding treatment capacity, addressing ways to use self-help effectively, looking at recovery or how to enhance people’s motivation to change all speak to an intensely applied approach. To be systematic, responsible, hard-working and reflective are all important lessons that I have learned from him.”

Recognizing skill, dedication and passion 

Many of Hodgins’ colleagues credit his illustrious career to his unwavering desire to help others, evidenced in his mentorship of young researchers, his dedication to community outreach projects, and his commitment to collaborative initiatives that bridge scholarly and practical applications. Among them is Dr. Susan Graham, PhD, who worked with Hodgins in the clinical psychology program at UCalgary.

“David is highly cited, which is a measure of academic impact. But that measure alone does not capture the breadth and impact of his work,” says Graham. “His impact should also be captured in the number of people who have been helped by his research. Addiction recovery is often not well understood in the broader community and subject to moral judgement. He focuses on the evidence: what works and what does not. This will hopefully elevate the discussion within the community.”
 
For Dr. Andrew Kim, PhD’20, who was introduced to Hodgins when applying to the clinical psychology program at UCalgary, the experience under his mentorship was nothing short of transformative, contributing significantly to his growth as a researcher in the field of addictions.

“A lesson I have learned from Dr. Hodgins is the importance of building an academic community and developing close international collaborations. A diversity in knowledge and perspectives is critical to advancing research,” says Kim. “I had the privilege of working with his associates all over the world and currently lead several international projects. Dr. Hodgins is a brilliant researcher and an even better person. He is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.”

Lecture of a Lifetime returns for 2025

Hosted by the Chancellor and Senate, the 17th annual Lecture of a Lifetime will be held on March 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the main level of the Vivo for Healthier Generations Community Centre, 11950 Country Village Link N.E.

“With addiction and recovery at the centre of so many public conversations, Dr. Hodgins’ work is more important than ever,” says UCalgary Chancellor Jon Cornish. "His dedication to helping individuals find their path to recovery embodies the University of Calgary’s commitment to research that drives meaningful change in our communities.”

For Hodgins, being invited to deliver this year’s Lecture of a Lifetime makes him feel incredibly honoured.

“I have been reflecting on all the energizing opportunities I have had to work on important clinical questions over the past number of years. Thinking about these projects and their impact also involves pleasantly reminiscing about my close collaborators.  It’s heartwarming!”

Learn more about Lecture of a Lifetime and register for free.