RSA History

Our Story

The Research Society on Alcohol (RSA) was established in 1976, originally as the Research Society on Alcoholism, to advance scientific research and foster collaboration across the field of alcohol research.

For nearly 50 years, RSA has brought together scientists and researchers from a wide range of disciplines to expand our understanding of alcohol use, alcohol-related health outcomes, and alcohol use disorder. Through scientific exchange, education, and collaboration, RSA continues to support research that advances prevention, treatment, and our understanding of the biological, behavioral, and social factors associated with alcohol use.

In 2023, the Society officially changed its name to the Research Society on Alcohol, reflecting the breadth and evolution of the field and the research represented by its members.

RSA Through the Years

1976 — RSA Is Established
RSA is established to create a scientific community bringing together researchers across disciplines.

1977 — First Formal Annual Meeting
RSA holds its first formal Annual Meeting on May 1 in San Diego, California, and Charles S. Lieber is elected the Society's first president.

1977 — ACER Launches
Frank A. Seixas serves as the first editor of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, with Charles Lieber chairing the Editorial Board.

1978 — RSA Reaches 250 Members
RSA reaches the membership level required to become a full component of the National Council on Alcoholism.

1987 — A Milestone for ACER
ASAM sells its interest in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) to RSA for $1.

1988 — RSA Becomes Sole Owner of ACER
NCA agrees for RSA to become the journal's sole owner.

1989 — ACER and ISBRA
ACER also becomes the official journal of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism.

2001 — RSA Reaches 1,500 Members
The Society grows from 250 members in 1978 to approximately 1,500.

2023 — A New Name
Research Society on Alcoholism becomes Research Society on Alcohol, reflecting the evolution and breadth of contemporary alcohol research.

2027 — 50th Annual Scientific Meeting
Fifty meetings after RSA's first formal Annual Meeting in San Diego, the Society returns to California to celebrate its 50th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco.

RSA Pioneers

RSA's history was shaped by scientists and leaders whose vision helped establish the Society, advance the field, and create a lasting scientific community.

Charles S. Lieber, MD
RSA's First President

One of the scientists instrumental in RSA's formation, Lieber was elected the Society's first president at RSA's first formal Annual Meeting in 1977. He later documented the Society's early history in The Research Society on Alcoholism (RSA): 1976–2000.

Frank A. Seixas, MD
Founding Editor of ACER

Seixas served as ACER's first editor and helped launch the journal in 1977, establishing a scientific publication that would become central to RSA's mission and the alcohol research community.

Explore RSA’s History

The Research Society on Alcoholism

Yedy Israel, PhD & Charles S. Lieber, MD
Addiction, 2002; 97(5):483–486

Explore the early history and growth of the Research Society on Alcoholism, including the Society's founding, Annual Scientific Meeting, membership, and the history of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER).

Remembering Frank A. Seixas, MD

Frank A. Seixas, MD, played an important role in the early history of alcohol research and scientific publishing. A physician, researcher, and longtime leader in the field, Dr. Seixas advocated for alcohol-related problems to be understood and addressed through a medical and scientific lens.

Dr. Seixas also served as the founding editor of Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER), helping launch the journal in 1977 and establish an important platform for alcohol research.

This 1992 New York Times article (above) reflects on Dr. Seixas’ career, his contributions to the field, and his lasting influence on alcohol research.

An Oral History of Alcohol Research

Hear directly from researchers who helped shape the field as they reflect on scientific discoveries, influential colleagues, and the evolution of alcohol research. This collection preserves their perspectives for future generations of scientists.