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Kathryn Greenwood, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sussex, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Research Fellow at Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Mental Health Innovation and Implementation Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) has been recognised with a prestigious national research leadership prize, after being named as one of 20 NIHR20 (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Research Delivery Leaders making an outstanding contribution to health and care research.

The prizes, which mark the 20th anniversary of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.

Announcing the winners, NIHR said: “Kathryn has demonstrated exceptional leadership in research delivery, notably through the national adoption of her NIHR-funded Early Youth Engagement (EYE) programme, which has influenced care pathway delivery across England and supported over 9,000 young people with first-episode psychosis.

“She has contributed to research delivery via sustained investment in capacity building and awareness raising, supervising 46 MSc and PhD students, mentoring clinical practitioners and supporting post-doctoral fellows. She leads a public seminar programme with over 500 members. Her work has significantly improved national data culture, contributing to an increase in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) outcome measurement from 22% to 66%, representing an exceptional translation of evidence into national practice change.”

As a prize winner, Kathryn will receive a £10,000 professional development award, paid to the University, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities.

Kathryn said: “This award is a wonderful recognition of the work we have undertaken, both regionally and nationally, to improve services and experiences for people living with psychosis. Importantly, it also serves as an invitation and opportunity to build on this success. We have ambitious plans for future research to support the mental health of young people and adults during key life transitions, as well as those living with physical health conditions, neurodiversity, and other co-occurring needs. This work will be developed in close collaboration with the Sussex Mental Health Research (SuMHeR) Centre, the Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex, and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Luc Moreau, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, said: "Kathryn's leadership has transformed how psychosis care is delivered nationally, and this award is a fitting recognition of that impact. Kathryn’s work truly embodies Sussex 2035’s theme of human flourishing and exemplifies how research can translate into positive community outcomes. On behalf of the Faculty and the whole University, I offer my warm congratulations to Kathryn.”

Dr Oliver Dale, Chief Medical Officer, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "This is a thoroughly deserved award for Kathryn. Research and development is an essential part of our work as a specialist mental health provider. Finding new and innovative approaches to care and treatment, through our research, has the potential to transform lives, both locally and nationally. We are very grateful for Kathryn's longstanding leadership and the impact she has had on improving patient care and giving colleagues across the disciplines the opportunity to get involved in research."

James Frith, Health Innovation Minister, said: “Patients benefit most when our world-leading research delivers the latest innovations to those who need them, when they need them.  That’s why we’re recognising 20 research leaders across England for their life-changing work transforming the care patients receive. This is our 10-Year Health Plan in action, bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS.”

The award reflects NIHR's commitment to supporting talented leaders across the full breadth of health and care research careers, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.

A formal prize-giving ceremony will take place at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October.

Find out more about the NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes.

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