King's College London

Unit Director Annette Boaz, Professor of Health and Social Care, is one of four senior King’s researchers taking part in a major new mental health research initiative, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), with a focus on Lancashire and South Cumbria.

The new Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), jointly led by Dr Jasper Palmier-Claus and Professor Steven Jones, both of Lancaster University, ‘will move mental health research out of traditional clinical settings and directly into Lancashire and South Cumbria, focusing on locally identified priorities and working alongside residents to develop a more proactive, preventative model of care.’ (from the Lancaster press release). The University of Manchester is also part of the Group.

Prof Boaz said: ‘With colleagues at KCL, I am looking forward to supporting this important new NIHR investment in mental health research.' She will contribute her expertise on the current evidence-use landscape, particularly through the implementation workstream of the new initiative. Others from King’s taking part are Prof Emmanuelle Peters (lead co-applicant from KCL), Prof Richard Emsley, and Prof Fiona Gaughran.

The NIHR announced the creation of the Group, an investment of almost £11 million over five years, on 26 January. The MHRG programme, of which this and four other new Groups named at the same time will form a part, was started by NIHR in 2023.

• Read about the wider involvement of King's researchers in the MHRG programme: New funding for UK mental health research in under-served areas (KCL news item, 4 February 2026)