Mission and Governance | Psychiatry Research

About Us

Charity Mission

Our Mission

We're dedicated to building a future where no one faces mental illness alone, where it can be prevented, caught early, and effectively treated.

One in four of us will experience a mental illness or brain disorder in our lifetime. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's don't just affect the individual — they disrupt families, friends, and whole communities. Mental illness now accounts for 21% of England's disease burden, yet receives just 6% of the UK's health research funding. That gap is where we come in.

Established by a Trust Deed in 1982, the Psychiatry Research Trust raises funds for cutting-edge research into mental illness and brain disorder undertaken at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and its associated NHS Foundation Trusts: South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

We're especially proud to support early-career researchers, the scientists and clinicians who will lead the next generation of discovery, with their groundbreaking mental health research. Our unique position at the interface of academia and the NHS means new findings move quickly from the lab to the bedside, reaching the people who need them most, when they need them most.

Through funding, public engagement, and collaboration with the brightest minds in the field, we're working towards a future where fewer people face mental illness without hope of understanding, treatment, or recovery.

Our Funding Policy

We are committed to foster the next generation of researchers in all aspects of mental health. Most of our grants are awarded as Career Development Fellowships of up to £100,000, designed to support early career researchers.

Applications for new projects may be made by any staff member at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, or at the associated Mental Health Trusts, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. All applications require a formal written proposal, which should be submitted after approval by the grant office of the applicant’s institution. We particularly welcome application for grants that directly support junior researchers toward the end of the PhD or at postdoctoral level.

We accept applications for research projects in psychiatry, neurology, psychology, neurosciences and mental health, defined in their broadest sense and including molecular, biological, clinical, psychosocial, epidemiological and qualitative research.

We are also interested in funding teaching and public engagement initiatives focussed on mental health, including creativity projects that give voices to artists and to people with lived experience; however, the main applicant must be from one of the institutions mentioned above.

Applications for up to £10,000 can be submitted at any time, while applications up to £100,000 can be submitted twice/year: by 31st of March (for starting 1st of July) and by 30th of September (for starting 1st of December). Grants of up to £10,000 can be made at the Chairman’s discretion. Grants between £10,000 and £100,000 will be dealt with by internal assessors, that is, academic members of the Board and/or academics at the above institutions (following an internal triage, if needed). If there are disagreements between the views of the assessors, the Chairman will seek a second external assessor.

Applications for larger amounts are usually restricted to specific funding calls that are organised and advertised by the PRT, and special application formats may be required. These will be examined also by external assessors from institutions unrelated to King's College London or the associated hospitals.

Applications should be 4-page long and include: one-page CV, Background, Experimental/Activities Plan, References and Budget; the budget must be approved by the grant office of the submitting institution. Salary requests should include 20% overheads; this applies to salaries only and doesn’t affect PhD stipends or other support costs. We anticipate to fund approximately 2-4 applications per call, based on quality and budget.

Criteria for the assessment will include the scientific value, the value to the NHS, the feasibility in the time, the value for money (including any matching fund from the applicant), the capacity building potential (with evidence of supporting early-career researchers) and whether it serves as a pilot for a future grant applications.

All applications should be submitted by writing to psychiatry_research_trust@kcl.ac.uk.

Governance

The governance of the Psychiatry Research Trust is designed to reflect the principles of charity law and best practice, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective management. The Trust adheres to the seven principles of charity governance: Organisational Purpose, Leadership, Integrity, Decision-making, Risk and Control, Board Effectiveness, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Openness and Accountability.

Organisational Purpose

The Psychiatry Research Trust is a Registered Charity (No: 284286); its offices are at 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom. It is committed to advancing research in psychiatry and related fields, benefiting public health and wellbeing. The board of trustees ensures that all activities and decisions align with this purpose, which is at the heart of our strategy, governance, and day-to-day operations.

Integrity

The Trust is dedicated to acting in the best interest of its beneficiaries, maintaining high standards of conduct. Trustees are required to uphold these values and declare any conflicts of interest to maintain transparency. The Trust is also committed to fostering trust in its relationships with stakeholders, which include the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), grant applicants, and the public.

Decision-Making, Risk and Control

The board of trustees meets bi-annually to review strategic matters, with additional meetings as required. Decision-making is informed by robust procedures that incorporate evidence-based assessments. Subcommittees, which include co-opted specialists, meet more frequently to review grant applications (see Research & Funding Policy), oversee investments, and manage finances through the Finance Committee. These subgroups report to the full board to ensure cohesive governance.

The trustees regularly review the Trust’s strategic and operational risks. Systems are in place to mitigate these risks, ensuring effective management and safeguarding the Trust’s assets. This approach ensures compliance with both internal policies and external regulations.

Board Effectiveness

Trustees are appointed based on their ability to contribute to the Trust’s mission and bring valuable skills to the board. Appointments are recommended by current trustees or members of the Trust, and ratified following a meeting with the Trust Director. While there is no formal induction process, all trustees have access to resources, such as “The Good Trustees Guide,” to support their role. Regular reviews of the board's effectiveness ensure that the Trust continues to benefit from diverse perspectives and informed decision-making.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Psychiatry Research Trust is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. The board actively seeks to ensure diverse representation and perspectives among trustees and co-opted members. The Trust recognises that a range of backgrounds, experiences, and views enhances decision-making and strengthens the Trust’s ability to fulfil its mission.

Openness and Accountability

The Trust operates with a high degree of openness and accountability. Decisions made by the board and its subcommittees are clearly communicated to stakeholders, including donors, grant recipients, and partners. The Trust’s connection to the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) is formalized by Trust Deed, and all significant transactions between the two entities are transparent. The Trust actively invites feedback and ensures that its actions remain aligned with public expectations and regulatory requirements.

Risk Management

The trustees regularly assess the major risks facing the charity, both strategic and operational. Procedures are in place to ensure these risks are identified, managed, and reduced to an acceptable level. This proactive approach ensures that the Psychiatry Research Trust remains resilient, safeguarding its mission and resources.

Relationship with the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN)

The Trust is based at the IoPPN, part of King’s College London, and shares common objectives with the Institute. This collaboration enhances the Trust’s capacity to deliver on its charitable purpose, benefiting from the IoPPN’s expertise and infrastructure. All material transactions between the Trust and the Institute are conducted with full transparency and oversight.

Meet our Team

The Psychiatry Research Trust team are a selected group of dedicated professionals responsible for guiding and overseeing the strategic direction and effective operation of the trust.

Chair

Prof. Carmine M. Pariante

I am Professor of Biological Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, and Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

I like to talk about mental health to the public on The Guardian, the New Humanist, and other media outlets. I am also the Editor of the mental health digital publication Inspire the Mind.

In my role as Chair, I will push the PRT to become the go-to source of evidence-based public education and dissemination in mental health, to reduce stigma against mental disorders.

Chief Operating Officer

Ms. Deanna Samuels

As the Chief Operating Officer of a renowned charity, I am deeply committed to driving positive change in the world of mental health. With a strategic mindset and a compassionate heart, I lead our efforts to raise vital funds for groundbreaking research. My dedication to wellness extends beyond my professional life; I am an avid fitness enthusiast with a particular passion for Pilates, which not only keeps me physically fit but also provides a serene balance to my demanding role. Through my work and lifestyle, I embody the belief that a healthy mind and body are the cornerstones of making a meaningful impact. It’s in this balance of vigour and calm that I find my truest self – committed to the cause, dedicated to wellbeing, and always striving to lift others as I rise.

Financial Advisor

Dr. David Wilson

After serving as an electronics officer in the navy for a few years, I completed a doctorate in physics. I recognised that academic life was not for me, and I trained as a chartered accountant and eventually became a partner in a London firm of accountants. Though I had a broad range of clients, I gradually became interested in the charity sector and eventually specialised in this area. I find that working in the charity sector is incredibly rewarding and gives me a sense of fulfilment, that I did not experience when advising commercial clients. Though I retired as a partner several years ago, I still advise a few charities, one of which is PRT.

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Engagement and Partnerships Manager

Ms. Kate Hamilton

I am the Engagement and Partnerships Manager for the Stress Psychiatry and Immunology Lab at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. I have worked in the healthcare sector for over 10 years, leading research projects and health promotion initiatives to advance the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and young adults. I am passionate about knowledge mobilisation and empowering individuals to make decisions regarding their health by providing evidence-based information that is communicated in meaningful, creative, and accessible ways. I hold a BA from McGill University and an MPH from Queen’s University.

Our Location

Our Location Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AB, England

Contact us

psychiatry_research_trust@kcl.ac.uk

The Psychiatry Research Trust is based at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, a global leader in mental health research. Founded in 1948, the IoPPN focuses on understanding the mind and brain through its three world-class divisions: Psychology & System Sciences, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience. As part of King’s Health Partners, a pioneering collaboration with NHS trusts, the IoPPN leads in the research and treatment of mental health and neurological disorders, working to improve the quality of life for individuals worldwide.