In the news...
for SEPTEMBER 2026
|
|
from the Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham
|
|
|
|
|
This edition showcases recent research, collaborations and achievements from across the Institute and our partner organisations, highlighting how our work continues to inform mental health care, policy and practice. It’s encouraging, in our 20th year, to see the dedication and expertise of our researchers, clinicians, lived experience contributors and partners. I’m delighted to announce the renewal of the Wellcome funded Midlands+ Mental Health and Neurosciences PhD programme. Together, we remain focused on producing research that makes a meaningful difference to people's lives. Finally, we’d like to extend a warm welcome to staff and students attending the University of Nottingham’s Clinical Examination Centre based in the Institute building.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in the Institute. We hope you enjoy this latest update from our research community.
|
|
Professor Martin Orrell
Director, Institute of Mental Health
|
|
|
|
Wellcome awards £10m to renew Midlands+ PhD Programme
|
|
|
Charitable foundation Wellcome has awarded £10 million to a consortium led by the University of Nottingham for a five-year renewal of the Midlands+ Mental Health and Neurosciences PhD Programme for Healthcare Professionals, with the first cohort starting in 2027.
Led by Professor Dorothee Auer, with Dr Zia Katshu as the University of Nottingham and Institute of Mental Health (IMH) site lead, the programme will support 25 PhD students from healthcare professional backgrounds across five universities: Nottingham, Birmingham, Leicester, Oxford and Warwick.
The funding is a major endorsement of the programme's success in enabling healthcare professionals to pursue research careers in mental health and neuroscience, helping to improve outcomes for patients, families and communities. An enhanced training framework will provide additional protected research time and career development support, helping participants establish sustainable clinical academic careers and become the next generation of research leaders.
|
|
|
|
IMH experts respond to Channel 4 documentary
|
|
|
Professor Maddie Groom and Dr Elizabeth Liddle of our Centre for ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan (CANDAL) have responded to a controversial Channel 4 documentary aired recently. The Great ADHD Myth? asks whether ADHD is a genuine neurological disorder, or a social construct, a question Maddie and Elizabeth describe as 'profoundly misleading'. They argue that insinuating ADHD is a myth won't shorten waiting lists: "ADHD services need fundamental reform, to provide timely functional support to meet contextual challenges and find compensatory strengths, and access to both medication and non-pharmacological therapies according to need."
A commentary piece in The Independent* featuring Professor Groom, argues that the documentary overlooked important evidence about ADHD and risked reinforcing misconceptions about the condition.
Read more on this story on our website
*This is a premium article. It can be read for free but registration is required.
|
|
|
|
Mindful use of technology could reduce workplace burnout
|
|
|
Institute Director gifted with artwork
|
|
|
UK’s first evidence-based menopause workplace toolkit launched
|
|
|
Employees who engage with digital technology more mindfully are better protected against technostress, exhaustion and poorer mental well-being, with a new tool now able to measure this capacity, according to new research.
Researchers including IMH colleague Professor Elvira Perez Vallejos (pictured) have developed and validated the Digital Mindfulness Scale (DMS), the first measure designed to capture how mindfully people engage with technology at work, and how this protects their well-being.
Read more on this story
|
|
In July IMH Director, Professor Martin Orrell, was kindly presented with a painting entitled "Two Figures" by Professor Mounir Ekdawi (1930–2023). Professor Ekdawi was a distinguished artist as well as a consultant psychiatrist specialising in rehabilitation. He was widely recognised as a visionary in community mental health reform. The artist’s daughters, Amanda and Sarah, visited the Institute to formally hand over the artwork to Martin.
Read more about this story on our website
|
|
A new free online resource has launched to help employers across the UK respond more effectively to menopause in the workplace, boosting retention, improving wellbeing and helping to build more inclusive workplace cultures.
MENO-Kit, the UK’s first evidence-based menopause workplace toolkit, translates more than a decade of academic research into practical, accessible guidance for employers, including that of IMH colleague Amanda Griffiths (pictured), Emeritus Professor of Occupational Health Psychology at the University of Nottingham.
Explore MENO-kit
|
|
|
|
Peer Research Academy publishes first report
|
|
|
Latest findings from the Recovery Research Team
|
|
|
Funding success for Dr Eirini Kontou
|
|
|
We're delighted to announce the publication of the IMH Peer Research Academy's first report
The work has been led by Academy partners Habitus Collective and is based on findings from the first six months of the Peer Research Academy. In this time interviews were conducted with peer researchers from all over the world. This global report will be complemented by an ongoing case study of peer researcher experiences at the University of Nottingham.
Congratulations to Dr Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley, Dr Stefan Rennick-Egglestone and Dr Caroline Fox-Yeo, we look forward to seeing what comes next for this Wellcome funded project.
|
|
Three papers from the Recovery Research Team have been published in full, highlighting the value of lived experience in mental health.
Researchers found that peer support workers gain confidence, skills, and purpose through supporting others, while helping to promote recovery and reduce stigma. A further study on youth digital mental health called for more flexible and participatory ethical approaches that enable meaningful involvement of young people while ensuring appropriate safeguards.
Together, the findings underline the importance of lived experience and co-production in shaping future mental health services and research.
Multicultural Implementation-Experiences of Peer Support Workers in MH Services
Re-positioning Mental Health Experiences from Deficit to Asset
|
|
Congratulations to Dr Eirini Kontou (pictured) on her National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Clinical Research and Practitioner Award (SCRPA).
These flexible awards fund post-doctoral researchers to further develop their research activities, such as leading research projects, research focused training, and preparing grant applications. Dr Kontou is leading the Stroke Association funded e-OPTIMISM study, offering remote access to a psychoeducation programme following a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Congratulations Eirini! We look forward to collaborating with you on your research journey.
|
|
|
|
Key considerations for digital health care in ADHD
|
|
|
|
ADHD SENCO Training Programme - November 2026
|
|
|
📅 November 2026, 09:30 to 15:30
📍 Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham
🎟️ £120
ℹ️ More information on the IMH website
Special Education Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) play a key role in the development of SEN policy and code of practise in schools, and it is crucial that they are knowledgeable in all aspects of SEN.
We have created a new ‘train the trainer’ method to educate whole schools about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
💠Hear the latest evidenced-based research
💠Comprehensive overview of ADHD
💠Learn the science of ADHD
💠Understand your local care pathway
💠Use your new knowledge to train the teachers in your school
Find out more and buy tickets
|
|
|
|
|
Update from our WHO Collaborating Centre
|
|
|
On 20 July, Dr Grace Carter (pictured), Co-Director of our Centre for Mental Health and Human Rights, attended the UK National Meeting of World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centres. The event brought together WHO representatives and collaborating centres to explore ways of strengthening partnership working and maximising impact in a challenging global health and funding environment. Discussions focused on improving collaboration through stronger international connections, greater centre autonomy, reduced administrative burden and enhanced support from the WHO. Speakers included Professor Chris Whitty, Dr Hans Kluge and Dr Jeremy Farrar.
Read more about our collaboration with the WHO
|
|
|
|
|
Centre Director helps shape national psychosis research programme
|
|
|
Dr Mohammad Zia Ul Haq Katshu (pictured), Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham, Consultant Psychiatrist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and Joint Director of our Centre for Translational Neuroscience, has contributed to the development of the Severe Mental Illness Longitudinal Evaluation (SMILE) BioResource, a major UK-wide initiative that will create one of the country's largest research resources dedicated to psychosis. The programme aims to recruit up to 2,000 people with psychosis, creating a long-term collection of clinical information and biological samples to support future research and accelerate the development of new treatments.
Read more about this story on our website
|
|
|
|
|
Dr Neil Nixon speaks to the BBC
|
|
|
Dr Neil Nixon (pictured) of our Centre for Mood Disorders featured in an article by the BBC, discussing his latest research into artificial intelligence (AI) and depression in pregnancy.
In collaboration with AI company Blueskeye, and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, the TrueBlue study aims to find out if an app tracking participants mood and behaviour can detect depression in the perinatal period.
Read the BBC news story
Dr Nixon also appeared on a recent BBC Radio Nottingham news segment which you can listen to on BBC Sounds - skip to: 1:01:13 to hear the story.
|
|
|
|
|
DETERMIND project reveals gaps in dementia care
|
|
|
Dr Ben Hicks has co-authored two new papers emerging from the DETERMIND project, highlighting the challenges faced by people diagnosed with dementia and their carers. Writing in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers found that many of those newly diagnosed with dementia, experience difficulties with everyday activities soon after diagnosis, but a substantial number are not receiving the help they need. The findings highlight the need for earlier, more personalised support.
In an exploration of advance care planning in dementia, the authors found that nearly a quarter of people diagnosed with dementia had undertaken no future care planning at all, not even through an informal conversation with their carers. They also found that having better-resourced carers led to increased future care-planning suggesting inequalities in accessing support.
|
|
|
|
|
New papers highlight challenges in dementia
|
|
|
Professor Martin Orrell (pictured) and Dr Briony Harden are among researchers who found that multiple factors influenced attitudes towards dementia. This evidence, published in BMC Geriatrics, could help to inform stigma-reduction campaigns, dementia education, and policy reform.
Meanwhile, Centre for Dementia colleagues Dr Esther Loseto-Gerritzen, Dr Jen Yates, Dr Mattéa Finelli and Dr Michael Craven, have published a paper in collaboration with researchers in the United States. In it, they highlight the challenges of bringing pharmaceutical and technological advances to people diagnosed with dementia. Read their Perspective article in Frontiers in Dementia
|
|
|
|
|
MindTech take research into the community
|
|
|
CaTS self-harm support tool - review published
|
|
|
Pilot project could streamline ADHD diagnosis
|
|
|
In August, colleagues from the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre: Mental Health (MindTech) along with community partners through the EXPAND project (EXPeriences of Accessing services and understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders for ethnic minorities in England), hosted a community open day event at the African Caribbean Centre in Leicester.
The event took research beyond academic, university and healthcare settings, connecting directly with communities, offering them a comfortable and open space to meet with researchers, ask questions and learn about the fun studies they could get involved in. It was a great success, and you can read more about the event on the MindTech website
|
|
A new paper has been published in BMC Psychiatry reviewing the development, application and potential of the Card Sort Task for Self-harm (CaTS). CaTS is a person-centred tool that helps individuals explore, map and communicate the thoughts, feelings, events and experiences that surround an episode of self-harm, supporting reflection on the complexity of the behaviour and how it evolves over time. Co-author Dr Joanna Lockwood (pictured) said:
“This review brings together almost a decade of our research and involvement work, highlighting how CaTS has moved from a novel research method into a flexible approach with applications in research, clinical practice, training, public engagement and digital health.”
Read about the CaTS app
|
|
Adults waiting for an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in Nottinghamshire could soon benefit from a faster, streamlined digital pathway, thanks to a new pilot project (ADEPT-N) and collaboration between Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's Neurodevelopmental Specialist Service (NeSS), HealthTech company Zendra Health, MindTech,and Health Innovation East Midlands.
Read about ADEPT-N at Notts Healthcare
|
|
|
|
MindTech feature in new video
|
|
|
New paper and animation from the EXPAND team
|
|
|
The NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) Network have produced a short video explaining its development and structure. The network, hosted by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, provides strategic leadership and support for the 14 HRCs across England, including MindTech. Together, they connect experts from across the HealthTech industry, to speed up the development and evaluation of new medical devices, digital health tools, and diagnostics, helping these innovations reach the NHS sooner. Watch the video on the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre Network website
|
|
The first paper from the EXPAND study has been published in the BMJ, co-authored by CANDAL and MindTech colleagues. PhD student Sarah Cooper, along with Professor Kapil Sayal, Professor Maddie Groom, Dr Camilla Babbage and Dr Charlotte Hall are among researchers exploring inequities in accessing neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) assessment and support for minoritised ethnic families.
The EXPAND team, alongside lived experience contributors, have also created a short animated film (below), “Experiences of families from ethnic minority groups seeking support from the NHS for their children with neurodevelopmental conditions”.
|
|
|
INVOLVEMENT AT THE INSTITUTE
|
|
|
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) contributor Fred Higton was remembered in the recent University of Nottingham PPI newsletter. Fred was a dedicated advocate for patients following his own experience of stroke. A talented artist, Fred created illustrations of the team working on the TRIPOD study, bringing warmth and humanity to the face of research, a reflection of Fred’s character. IMH PPI lead Kate Horton worked closely with Fred:
"I worked with Fred over multiple projects and enjoyed the time we spent working together. Fred was never one to take the easy route - compassionately pushing for the right decisions to be made in both research and services. I had a great deal of admiration for Fred’s tenacity and fierce intelligence, never one to be held back, even re-learning his artistry with his opposing hand after a stroke took the wind out of his sails on his preferred side. Fred was a proud man who brought compassion and understanding to all sides of research. He was often the first to listen to someone else’s experience and offer comradeship and camaraderie to all in the room. I miss him greatly as I know many others do from the PPI community."
|
|
|
|
Depression medication research - could you take part?
|
|
|
|
The TARIAN-1 study is exploring whether a new, once-a-day, medicine (called DT-101) can help improve symptoms of recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD, commonly known as depression). The study will also explore how safe DT-101 is and how the body processes it.
🔹Are you aged 18 to 75 years old
🔹Are you currently experiencing another episode of depression that began between 6 weeks and 11 months ago?
🔹Have you had a previous episode of depression prior to your current episode?
🔹Are either NOT currently taking any antidepressant medication, or are willing to stop your current antidepressant?
For more information, email Chia-Ping Chou or telephone 07785 722285 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
Principal Investigator: Dr Paul Briley
|
|
|
|
Take part - brain imaging study
|
|
|
Our Forensic Research Nottingham colleagues are inviting participants to take part in a brain imaging study, exploring how the brain processes empathy.
Take part
💠 Are you aged between 18 and 59?
💠 Can you attend the University of Nottingham for two days?
💠 Travel expenses and lunch will be provided.
💠 Participants will be paid minimum wage for their time.
💠 The study will involve screening for mental disorders, including an interview, having an MRI brain scan, having an OPM-MEG brain scan and doing tasks using a touchscreen device.
To find out more visit our website or telephone 0115 7485865
Alternatively, email Clarise Castleman or email John Tully
|
|
|
|
DETERMIND project seeking support
|
|
|
|
The DETERMIND research project is exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people affected by dementia, a highly underserved population, with the aim of improving future dementia care pathways to be more inclusive, responsive, and accessible.
Researchers are currently seeking support with recruitment for this study, which involves interviews with LGBTQIA+ people living with dementia anywhere in the UK. Carers are also welcome to take part if the participant wishes.
To learn more or get involved, email Ben Hicks
|
|
|
|
Young people invited to take part in research
|
|
|
People with Tourette syndrome experience tics, which are repetitive movements or sounds that happen without their control. We think that vibrotactile stimulation (gentle vibrations on the skin) might help reduce these tics, but we need to find out more.
We are looking for young people who do not have tics, to try the vibrotactile stimulation to see if it makes their body more relaxed, which we will see with a heart rate monitor.
This is so we can compare what happens for people who do have tics, to help us understand more about vibrotactile stimulation and hopefully lead to new ways to help people with tics in the future.
Can you take part?
💠 Are you aged between 12 and 18?
💠 Can you attend the Institute of Mental Health in Nottingham for one visit of 60-90 minutes? (Travel expenses up to £100 available)
💠 Do not have a neurodevelopmental or psychiatric diagnosis
💠 Not on the waiting list for a mental health or neurodevelopmental assessment
💠 Do not have tics
If you or your child meet this criteria, or know of anyone who might be interested, find out more and register your interest
|
|
|
|
📅 19 November 2026, 12pm to 1pm
📍 Online via MS Teams
💳 Free
💠 Find out more and register
Join our online webinar and discover how we're developing an evidence-based digital tool to support adults waiting for an ADHD assessment. Hear from a range of speakers in our lunchtime seminar. The background:
🔹Referrals for assessment of ADHD in adults have increased 18-fold since 2010.
🔹Waiting times can be several years long, causing significant distress and increasing the risk of poor outcomes.
🔹Information and support is rarely given to adults on the waiting list for an ADHD assessment, leading us to consider a digital tool as a potential solution to this.
At the webinar, we will share findings from our ongoing research and the initial design of the digital tool. You will hear from the project team led by Professor Maddie Groom and Dr Charlotte Hall at the University of Nottingham.
|
|
📅 TBD
📍 Institute of Mental Health, NG7 2TU
🎟️ Find out more
This year's theme is “Thinking Differently: Neurodiversity in Forensic Mental Health”
Hosted jointly by the Forensic Services Care Group, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and the Institute of Mental Health, the Trent Study Day is a well-established annual conference bringing together leading experts to explore emerging ideas and developments in forensic mental health.
The event will also showcase research and innovation, with opportunities to present research posters relating to mental health, forensic services, and secure care.
Speaker announcements and further details will be released soon.
|
|
|
➡️ Save the date!
📅 9 and 10 September 2027
📍 Crowne Plaza, Nottingham
💠 Details coming soon
Building on the success of Refocus on Recovery 2025, dates for Refocus on Recovery 2027 have now been confirmed.
Last year's event aimed to provide inspiration and network space for people interested in recovery research, with an intention to appeal to new audiences. It featured presentations from invited keynote speakers and through selected abstracts, providing a platform for both lived experience perspectives, and empirical research studies.
Check our events page for updates
Read the Refocus on Recovery 2025 report
|
|
📅 21 September 2026, 3pm to 5pm
📍 Nottingham Playhouse
💳 Free
🎟️ Find out more and book tickets
Tickets now available for RADCLIFFE, a new play from writer/producer Helen Solomon, in collaboration with Institute colleague Dr Elizabeth Paddock and Dr Simon Duff.
RADCLIFFE tells the story of a mental health nurse and her patient who form an unlikely bond during the 1922 Nottinghamshire asylum nursing strike. A moving and darkly funny two-hander, RADCLIFFE exposes the struggles of 1920s mental health care and how they echo today.
Through partnerships with individuals with lived experience, practitioners, and historians, the play invites the audience to reflect on how history and environment influence identity and professional practice.
People with lived experience are invited to attend and join the post-show discussion.
|
|
|
We would love to hear from you.
Please visit our website or follow us on our social media pages to
keep up to date with our news and updates. |
The Institute of Mental Health brings together healthcare staff and academics to lead mental health research designed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care. We are a partnership between two highly respected organisations, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Nottingham. |
|
|
|
@institutemh institutemh.org.uk
|
|
|
|
|
|
