Role will 'accelerate' mental health research

A professorship which could "accelerate" the understanding of young people's mental health will be set up at the University of Cambridge after a gift from long-standing benefactors.

The post will "provide a unique and transformational addition to mental health at Cambridge and beyond" by advancing science and offering evidence-based support to young people, the university said.

It was made possible by £4.5m from US-based philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson, who champion mental health and have supported the university for many years.

"Our ambition is to promote student wellbeing as a fundamental component of a Cambridge education and to lead research on effective interventions that will improve their lives," said Vice-Chancellor Prof Deborah Prentice.

"The Dawson Professorship of Young People's Mental Health represents a great leap forward towards this goal."

It comes a little over two years after the university said it was undertaking "significant reform" to its mental health services after a spate of student deaths.

At the time, the BBC uncovered a report which described the mental health service as "ineffective".

The postholder - who will hold a fellowship at St Catharine's College - will spearhead research on interventions, neuroscience, and evidence synthesis to provide new insight and pioneering discoveries in mental health treatment and prevention, the university said.

"We are thrilled that the university is dedicated to being a centre of excellence in mental health research for young people, and that this Professorship will be transformational to this vital area of research," said Mrs Dawson.

"Cambridge's revolutionary approach will reveal insights into the brain science of mental health in young people and increase the global understanding and development of new interventions."

Prof of Neuroscience Jeffrey W. Dalley said the gift would be "truly transformative" in accelerating research efforts to understand the brain science of mental health in young people.

"To have a professorship dedicated to mental health research in young people, right here in Cambridge, is simply wonderful, said Natalie Acton, co-head of student support.

"We look forward to working with the post-holder and improving our offering to students as a result."

Recruitment is under way with the successful candidate expected to begin in October.

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