The recipient of several teaching awards, Dr. Raison has received research funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Human Services. His research focuses on bi-directional relationships between stress and immune systems, especially as these pertain to depression in the medically ill. His research ranges from immune system effects on central nervous system functioning to the application of compassion meditation as a strategy to reduce inflammatory responses to psychosocial stress. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Raison is the mental health expert for cnn.com.