Cardiff University wins prestigious award

Cardiff University’s mental health research facility, the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, has been awarded the UK’s most prestigious academic award – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

Minister for Universities and Science, Jo Johnson, said: “The UK is a world leader in science and research and The Queen’s Anniversary Prize celebrate the achievements of our universities and colleges. The outstanding work recognised with this award brings benefits to the everyday lives of millions of people in the UK and beyond.”

The centre brings together a global community of leading researchers to investigate the causes of a number of major psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Their work is focused on improving the understanding of how these diseases arise; on developing new diagnostic approaches and identifying new targets for treatment.

Professor Michael Owen, Director of the Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences at Cardiff University, said: “I am extremely proud of all the staff in the Centre for winning this award. It is a reflection of the amazing achievements made possible by an excellent team of scientific, technical and administrative staff which sits at the forefront of mental health research.”

The centre – launched in 2009 – has contributed in the studies of a range of genetic diseases from Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia to bipolar disorder and ADHD. Among its landmark discoveries are the identification of a genetic link between intellectual disability, autism, ADHD and schizophrenia; the discovery of the first specific genetic risk factors for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and ADHD; and the discovery of the first new Alzheimer’s disease risk genes for over 17 years.

“Their efforts have succeeded in casting light into some of the darkest corners of mental illness and place us in strong position to make further advances that will lead to substantial benefit to patients,” said Professor Owen.

Next, the centre will focus on developing improved diagnostics approaches and treatments. The prize is awarded every two years by the Queen in recognition of an academic or vocational institution, and falls within the UK’s national honours system. It will be presented at a ceremony at the Buckingham Palace in February 2016.