Celebrating the life and work of Professor Sir David Goldberg

Remembering Sir David

Sir David Goldberg was Professor of Psychiatry at the IoPPN and Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.

Alongside these roles, he served as Director of Research & Development and Education at the Institute (1993 - 1999), Chair of the Psychiatry Research Trust (1999 - 2016), long-term advisor to the UK Department of Health and the World Health Organization, and Chairman of multiple committees, including the General Old Age Psychiatry Advisory Committee (GOAPSAC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline Development Group for Depression and the NICE Guideline for Depression in Physical Diseases.

His work advanced psychiatric epidemiology, shaped global training for general practitioners and psychiatrists, and improved mental health services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

In recognition of his contributions, he was knighted in 1997 and received a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Royal College of Psychiatrists Awards ceremony in 2009.

Sir David’s legacy lives on in the thousands of professionals he trained, the lives transformed through his research, and the institutions shaped by his leadership. He will be remembered not only for his intellectual brilliance, but also for his humility and dedication to human dignity.

Celebrating Sir David's life and work

On 4 June 2025, King’s College London welcomed friends, family and colleagues from around the world to share Professor Sir David Goldberg’s impact on them, their work and the field of psychiatric epidemiology.

Chaired by Professor Carmine Pariante (Chair of the Psychiatry Research Trust) and Professor Sarah Byford (Head of the Department of Health Services & Population Research), the programme blended personal reflections and professional tributes.

Speakers highlighted Sir David’s many roles — as a brilliant scientist, a compassionate clinician, a mentor and a visionary leader. Stories shared by colleagues from Manchester, London and international collaborations illustrated his commitment to making mental health care more humane, accessible and evidence-based.

The event was co-hosted by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King's College London and the Psychiatry Research Trust.

Watch the event recording (part 1 and 2)

Download the event programme via this link.