Integration of clinical and academic work has been the bedrock of our long history of creative collaboration with the Trust. This programme will give residents hands-on involvement, helping to make research an integral part of their work. Crucially, it enriches both the residents’ experience and the supervisors’ research teams, creating valuable research collaborations and connections.
Professor Matthew Hotopf, Executive Dean, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
21 October 2025
Welcoming first Maudsley Psychiatry Residents Research Attachment Programme cohort
New programme, which had its first intake in August 2025, links Maudsley psychiatry residents with IoPPN researchers to explore the skills needed to develop pathways into research.
In collaboration with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, IoPPN has launched the Maudsley Psychiatry Residents Research Attachment Programme, welcoming the first cohort of 38 residents in August 2025.
This programme provides a path into research for psychiatry residents, who can explore research opportunities at the IoPPN. Residents will work together with leading researchers and plan their involvement in a wide range of research projects, developing their research and academic skills while fostering an integrated approach to clinical and academic work.
Speaking of his experience so far as part of the first cohort, Dr Boris Warszawski (CT2, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust) said, "This is the kind of program that inspires doctors to choose SLaM for their core training, a program that fully delivers on its promise. Learning and getting involved in cutting-edge research has never been easier or more accessible. Our cohort's passion for research has always been apparent, and now there is a clear and streamlined pathway to turn it into action."
This initiative was developed in collaboration with the trainees themselves, tailored to fit their needs. The programme invites researchers across a range of disciplines (neuroimaging, neuroscience, pharmacology, epidemiology, etc.) to welcome a psychiatry resident of CT2 level (Year 2 of core training) and above onto their team, within the limits of the trainees’ clinical commitments, for a period of 6 to 12 months.
Residents will have the opportunity to dedicate one day a week to a one-year research attachment, and will develop specific skills such as wet lab techniques, neuroimaging analysis, or scientific writing. At the same time, the programme has developed dedicated e-learning materials to provide trainees with the theoretical background necessary to support their research experience.
Programmes like this really highlight the great people, opportunities and relationships we, as a Trust, have with organisations like the IoPPN. Offering opportunities to students to home in on their areas of expertise and utilise our stream of professionals is something we are incredibly proud to offer. We wish the very best to the new cohort and we can’t wait to see the incredible work you do going forward.
Dr Derek Tracy, Chief Medical Officer, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
The Maudsley Psychiatry Residents Research Attachment Programme was founded by Dr Laura Convertino (Academic Clinical Fellow), Dr Simone Ciufolini (consultant psychiatrist at SLaM) and Professor Cathy Fernandes; and supported by Professor Matthew Hotopf, Professor Derek Tracy, Professor Fiona Gaughran and Dr Richard Haslam.