NIHR Maudsley BRC: A Year in Review 2024

collage image of seven new stories

2024 has been a year of remarkable discoveries and innovative advancements in mental health research, showcasing the expertise of NIHR Maudsley BRC researchers.

Highlighted below are some of the most-read research news stories, ranging from the predictive power of AI and its ethical challenges, to the use of digital tools and neurotherapies to transform treatment of conditions such as schizophrenia or eating disorders. Researchers explored the links between mental health and a range of genetic and environmental factors - from ancient DNA to smartphone usage. 

Significant achievements were celebrated this year amongst BRC staff and researchers. The new Director, Professor Grainne McAlonan, was appointed, and Professor Ulrike Schmidt, Theme Lead in Eating Disorders and Obesity, received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours. Professor Richard Emsley, Theme Lead in Trials, Prediction and Genomics, was appointed to the role of Interim Academic Director of the King’s Clinical Trials Unit as well as the lead of a new NIHR Research Services Support hub. 

The research scope of the BRC expanded with the introduction of a Motor Neuron Disease theme, led by Professor Ammar Al-Chalabi. The EDI team grew with the introduction of representatives across the BRC, and in December, the inaugural CEDI Impact Award was launched. Two new cohorts of PhD students started as well. 

Next year will mark the mid-point of the current cycle of the NIHR Maudsley BRC (2022 – 28), bringing further achievements and progress on the horizon.  

 

January

Mood interventions may reduce inflammation in Crohn’s and Colitis
February

Patterns of brain connectivity differ between preterm and term babies
March

Researchers investigate ability of their new AI tool to predict medical events
April

AVATAR and SloMo digital therapies for psychosis recommended for use in NHS
May

Depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder linked with ancient viral DNA in our genome
June

New home-administered treatment for binge eating disorder shows promising results

 

 

July

Over £1.4 million awarded to King's researchers to accelerate MND treatment development
August

Teens with problematic smartphone use are twice as likely to have anxiety – and many are eager to cut down
September

Launching the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) BioResource
October

First study to show high potency cannabis use leaves unique signature on DNA
November

King's hosts experts to discuss how to ethically implement AI in healthcare

 


Tags: Child & Neurodevelopmental disorders - Motor Neuron Disease - Neuroimaging - Psychosis and Mood Disorders - Biomarkers & genomics - Digital Therapies - Eating Disorders & Obesity - Experimental Medicine and Novel Therapeutics - Informatics - Pain and Addictions -

By NIHR Maudsley BRC at 27 Jan 2021, 11:16 AM


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