Background
Research careers in mental health offer a unique opportunity to contribute to some of the most pressing public health challenges. Researchers in this field may focus on a wide range of topics, from the biological underpinnings of mental health disorders to the development of new therapeutic approaches and the social determinants of mental well-being. A career in mental health research can be both intellectually rewarding and make a real difference in people's lives, influencing public health policies and improving mental health care practices. The interdisciplinary nature of the field allows for collaboration across psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, and social sciences.
The UK is home to a vibrant research ecosystem, supported by world-renowned institutions that collaborate closely with the NHS, government bodies, and charities. With mental health increasingly recognised as a priority area, funding opportunities have grown, supported by bodies like the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and charities such as the Wellcome Trust and MQ. The UK government has also emphasised the importance of mental health research, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for greater focus on mental well-being.
Getting Involved
One way to gain some research experience it to start by identifying researchers in your field whose work aligns with your interests. You can contact them via email or at conferences, expressing your interest in their research and seeking advice on how to get involved. Regularly reading journal articles in your field will help you stay informed on the latest developments and identify potential research gaps. Additionally, consider joining relevant research networks, attending workshops, and participating in research seminars to build your skill set and expand your professional network. If there are research-active members within your team or organisation, you could approach them to discuss mentoring opportunities. Volunteering for research projects, even in a small capacity, can provide valuable hands-on experience and open doors to further research opportunities. The NIHR Mental Health Research Incubator is an excellent source of information to develop your research career.
There are several career paths within mental health that offer opportunities to engage in research alongside clinical practice. Mental health nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, for instance, can all contribute to research in various ways, often integrating it with their day-to-day roles.
Job roles
Mental health nurses play a crucial role in patient care, and many engage in research that focuses on improving clinical practices, patient outcomes, and the overall quality of mental health services. They might conduct research on the effectiveness of different therapeutic interventions, patient safety protocols, or the impact of nursing care on recovery. Through roles such as Nurse Researchers or Clinical Nurse Specialists, they can lead or collaborate on studies that inform evidence-based practices and policy development. The Mental Health Research Incubator offers advice for nurses interested in research.
The NIHR has numerous schemes open to nurses and recently issued a High Light Notice for research to increase and improve the evidence base about mental health nursing and the mental health nursing workforce. This indicates that this is a priority area for NIHR funding.
Psychiatrists often engage in research that spans both clinical and academic settings. They may investigate the causes of mental health disorders, the efficacy of psychiatric medications, or the outcomes of various therapeutic approaches. Psychiatrists in academic roles might lead clinical trials, collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects, or contribute to the development of new treatment guidelines. Those working within the NHS might conduct applied research aimed at improving service delivery, patient care, or public mental health strategies.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists offers tailored advice and support for getting involved in research.
Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists often contribute to research focused on therapeutic techniques, cognitive-behavioural interventions, or the psychological impact of mental health conditions. They might conduct qualitative or quantitative research, often focusing on patient-centred outcomes, the effectiveness of different therapies, or the development of new treatment modalities. In academic or clinical settings, these professionals frequently collaborate with other researchers and contribute to the broader evidence base that shapes mental health practices. Find out more in this guidance from the British Psychological Society.
In addition, social workers and occupational therapists working in mental health settings may also engage in research, particularly in areas related to social determinants of mental health, community-based interventions, and the effectiveness of support systems for individuals with mental health conditions. Their research often emphasises the social and environmental factors that influence mental well-being, aiming to improve social care practices and policies.
In all these roles, mental health professionals can balance clinical practice with research. Whether through formal academic research, participation in trials, or practice-based research initiatives, these careers offer a blend of practical impact and scientific inquiry, making significant contributions to the advancement of mental health care in the UK.
General Resources
Greater Manchester Mental Health Nursing Research Unit
Mental Health Mission (MHM) Overview – NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre
Mental Health Translational Research Collaboration | NIHR
MQ Mental Health Research | Transforming The Future of Mental Illness
Our Staff | NHS Research Scotland | NHS Research Scotland
https://mentalhealthresearch.org.uk/
https://www.uclhospitals.brc.nihr.ac.uk/our-research/mental-health
https://www.bps.org.uk/academia-teaching-and-research-psychologist-job-profile
https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/members/your-faculties/academic-psychiatry/research
https://thesavvyimg.co.uk/psychiatry-img-guide-uk/
https://mentalhealthresearch.org.uk/advice-for-nurses/