I am incredibly honoured to have been elected President of SIRS. This is a society which is very close to my heart and that I have served since its inception: first in various committees, and in the last four years as Secretary under Professor Dame Til Wykes’s influential presidency. I am committed to promoting SIRS as a progressive, inclusive, and influential scientific society, in which all members are valued, connected, and feel able to input directly into the society’s strategic direction. SIRS is a society in which researchers, clinicians and mental health practitioners can effectively work together to advocate for schizophrenia research.
Professor Paola Dazzan, President Elect at SIRS and Vice Dean for International Affairs at the IoPPN, King's College London
21 March 2022
Professor Paola Dazzan elected President of the Schizophrenia International Research Society
The Schizophrenia International Research Society brings together researchers around the world to exchange the latest advances in biological and psychosocial research in schizophrenia.
The Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) has announced that Professor Paola Dazzan from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) has been elected as President.
She will assume her position as President Elect in April 2022, taking over from Professor Dame Til Wykes, Head of the School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences and Professor of Clinical Psychology at the IoPPN. Dame Til has been President at the SIRS for the past 2 years, alongside Professor Dazzan as Secretary.
Professor Paola Dazzan is Vice Dean for International Affairs and Professor of Neurobiology of Psychosis at the IoPPN. She holds an Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist position at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
Professor Dazzan is internationally known for her work on the relationship between neuroimaging and other biological measures in the initial stages of psychosis. She is Principal Investigator on several key research projects; most recently, e-BRAIN, a large-scale longitudinal study of childhood adversity, brain development, and psychopathology in young adolescents, funded by the Medical Research Council. Her work has been extensively published in high impact papers and is she is among those named in the 2021 Highly Cited Researchers List which recognises influential researchers around the world.
I am delighted that the schizophrenia researchers worldwide have chosen Professor Paola Dazzan as President Elect. This shows how much KCL researchers involved in schizophrenia research are valued by international colleagues. I know that Paola will be a fantastic shepherd for the society. We know that because we have all found her support essential in her role as secretary.
Professor Dame Til Wykes, Head of the School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences at the IoPPN, King's College London
The SIRS promotes research of the highest scientific and ethical standard aimed at advancing our understanding of the causes, prevention, and treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. This includes advocating for increased research funding and opportunities, promoting diversity and representation within schizophrenia research, and reducing stigma by improving public understanding of the condition. SIRS is a multidisciplinary society, including researchers who identify themselves as psychologists, psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and neurologists.
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Professor of Neurobiology of Psychosis, IoPPN Vice Dean (International)
Head of School for Mental Health & Psychological Sciences