Professor Sir Robin Murray has been announced as the recipient of the 2023 Jean Delay prize. The prestigious prize, conferred every three years by the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), was established in 1999 to honour distinguished colleagues who have made a noteworthy contribution to the biological, psychological or social aspects of psychiatry, or built useful bridges between them.

The prize is the highest academic honour that the WPA can give. Professor Murray was selected by an international jury of experts, and will deliver a plenary lecture at the 23rd WPA World Congress of Psychiatry in Vienna later this year.

 

Sir Robin is Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London. His research explores the causes of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and looks towards developing better treatments for these disorders. He is best known for his role in establishing the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia, particularly in how environmental risk factors contribute to this disorder.

He is the most frequently cited psychosis researcher outside the USA, has supervised 80 PhDs and 12 MD Theses, and 52 of his students have become full professors. He is also one of only 5 psychiatrists ever elected as Royal Society Fellows. In 2011, he was awarded a Knighthood for services to medicine.

Professor Murray established, and continues to work in, the National Psychosis Unit at the Maudsley and Bethlem Royal Hospitals in London. This Unit pioneered the introduction of several treatments in the UK.

The World Psychiatric Association is the global association representing 145 psychiatric societies in 121 countries and bringing together more than 250,000 psychiatrists. The association promotes collaborative work in all areas of psychiatry, and has developed ethical guidelines for psychiatric practice and position statements on topics relevant to psychiatric practice and the role of psychiatrists. The WPA partners with its members to host the annual WPA World Congress of Psychiatry as well as regional and thematic congresses, attracting global leaders in mental health and providing forums for shared learning and collaboration.