Accessibility statement

New institute to build on mental health research strengths

Posted on 11 October 2021

The University is to launch an Interdisciplinary Institute of Mental Health Research, to build on our long-established strength in this field.

The institute will provide a focus for our mental health research and raise the profile of this work both nationally and internationally.

The work of the new institute will include:

  • building new research collaborations and connections across the entire institution
  • developing and extending our external partnerships
  • creating new teaching and learning opportunities
  • delivering a programme of public engagement events.

The institute’s aims will also include using research developed within the institute to inform mental health services for our staff and students.

Professor Matthias Ruth, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, said: “York has a long and proud tradition of research in this vitally important area. The institute will give a new focus to our work to understand the causes and predictors of poor mental health and, in these times of unprecedented pressure on health services, ensure new services and interventions are backed by insights gained from our research expertise.

“Consequently, the new institute also aims to strengthen our links with health services and mental health charities and crucially the people who use these services to make sure their voices are heard, and to help us identify and shape priority areas for research.”

A new director will be appointed to lead the institute which is expected to launch officially in early 2022. Details of the director role will be advertised in the next few weeks. Informal enquiries about the process should be directed to Paul Ellison in our HR team in the first instance.

Further information about the new institute and opportunities for engagement will be shared once the new director is in post. If you have urgent queries about the new institute in the meantime, please contact Dr Louisa Shilton, Research Development Manager (Applied Health and Social Care) in our Research and Innovation Development Team.

Contact Louisa Shilton