RCPsych Awards 2026

Our yearly RCPsych Awards celebrate the best and brightest teams and individuals in our field.

Below you can find details of the winners across all of our awards categories, from psychiatrists of all grades and levels of training, to teams working throughout mental health care.

You can also view the full awards programme, which includes biographies, photos and nominators' comments for all shortlisted candidates, as well as descriptions of each of the prize categories.

Meet this year's winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

Anthony Phillip (Jed) Boardman

Citation from Professor Tom K J Craig, Emeritus Professor of Social Psychiatry, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience

“I am delighted to provide a citation for Dr Boardman. I have known Jed as a close colleague for more than 40 years. Our earliest collaboration involved an evaluation of mental health services in one of the new Community Mental Health Centres where his study of a new walk-in service showed a surge in consultations for common mental disorders that far exceeded service expectations.

“At the time, this raised thorny diagnostic questions. Was this population really suffering a diagnosable mental disorder of the kind that required specialist psychiatric services? Or could it be as well managed in primary care. This led us to studies with general practice colleagues including the exploration of the somatization of distress in in primary care.

“What was apparent from these early studies was the close links between mental disorders, social adversity and disadvantage. This became a major focus of his later career. His outstanding book Social Inclusion and Mental Health is the definitive exposition of the social barriers including stigma experienced by people with mental disorders. Barriers that play both causal and perpetuating roles as well as impeding fair access to care.

“His contribution to this topic goes beyond scholarly review to practical efforts to address the deprivations, both as an individual clinician and through a wider leadership at National organisations, including Royal College of Psychiatrists where he chaired the executive committee of the Faculty of General and Community Psychiatry and continues be the Lead for Social Inclusion. He has also made significant contributions to key government and independent sector initiatives to shape policy and practice including the promotion of supported employment for people suffering severe mental ill health.

“In short, Jed combines clinical skill, scholarship and organisational talent in an evidence-based, value driven approach to improve inclusion for sufferers of mental health problems.”

Medical Student of the Year

Dr Suleyman Noordeen

Suleyman is an FY1 doctor at Peterborough City Hospital, having graduated from Cambridge with Distinction. His research at the Cambridge Centre for Precision Psychiatry spans immunopsychiatry and brain–body interactions, using computational and epidemiological methods with particular attention to understudied communities.

Outside of this, he organises near-peer teaching and supervises Neurobiology and Human Behaviour for medical students at Cambridge.

The judges said:

“Dr Suleyman Noordeen was the clear winner because of the breadth of their achievements in every domain. Dr Noordeen demonstrates drive, excellence and leadership.

Suleyman Noordeen has produced work in psychiatry of a standard well beyond what is expected at his stage and has demonstrated consistent accountable leadership of people, research programmes and educational initiatives. I was impressed by Suleyman’s impressive research profile, alongside his well spread out activities as a clinician and leader. A true all-rounder in my eyes.”

Core Resident Doctor of the Year

Dr Benjamin Geers

Dr Benjamin Geers is an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Devon Partnership Trust and the University of Exeter. His interests include eating disorders, mental health service access and patient safety.

Alongside his clinical and academic work, he represents trainees within the Peninsula School of Psychiatry as Core Trainee representative.

The judges said:

“Dr Geers has truly excelled across multiple areas over the last 12 months – as a clinician, as a leader, as an educator, and as a researcher. His many achievements make him a truly deserving winner of the RCPsych's Core Trainee of the Year award.”

Higher Resident Doctor of the Year

Dr Donncha Mullin

Dr Donncha Mullin is a consultant old age psychiatrist and University of Edinburgh clinical lecturer whose PhD examined dementia risk. Previously a physiotherapist, he remains preoccupied with walking speed.

He jointly led a national workforce study, organised research training days, and supervises a clinical PhD fellow. His teaching experience includes a six-month volunteer clinical lectureship in Malawi.

The judges said:

“There are very few people who clearly excel across the board academically, professionally and clinically who are also wonderful people to work with. Dr Mullin is all of these, within his local board and university, wider RCPsych work and his international work in Malawi. He has shown a level of independence, external recognition, and impact well beyond what is expected of a higher resident doctor.

Dr Mullin has demonstrated a commitment not only to good clinical care but also strong leadership skills and innovative educational ideas as well as high quality research. The panel was impressed with his strategic leadership skills in the RCPsych old age faculty as well as gaining funding for his own research.”

Patient Contributor of the Year

Danielle Sands

Danielle Sands uses her lived experience of severe postnatal depression, PTSD and anxiety to ensure other mums never feel alone.

By courageously sharing her journey, including on BBC’s Mums in Crisis, and co-founding Mums the Word, Danielle has turned a difficult chapter into something powerful – creating connection, challenging stigma and giving other women hope when they need it most.

The judges said:

“Danielle’s story exemplifies what a difference one individual can make to changing attitudes to and raising awareness of mental illness.”

Carer Contributor of the Year

End of Life Care (EOLC) Working Party, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

The EOLC Working Party is a collaborative co-production initiative bringing together carers, service users, and staff from Older Adult Services. Through shared learning, discussion, and service improvement work, the group helps shape compassionate, person-centred end of life care and ensures that the experiences of patients and families remain at the heart of decision-making.

The judges said:

“The End of Life Team demonstrate how meaningful co-production with people with lived experience (in this case, of needing end of life care in the context of mental illness) can transform the experience of care and have a lasting impact on policy.”

Psychiatric Communicator of the Year

Dr Raja Natarajan

Dr Raja Natarajan is a Consultant Psychiatrist with 24 years' experience and Managing Director of Bodhi Mind Care Hospital, Coimbatore.

Through initiatives such as the Bodhi Poetry Café, he promotes mental health awareness, works to prevent suicide, and champions improved access to high-quality psychiatric care for rural and vulnerable communities, including transgender populations, across India, saving lives through compassionate outreach.

The judges said:

“The judges were very impressed by the way Dr Natarajan has challenged stigma surrounding mental illness by bringing psychiatry directly into communities in India traditionally excluded from mental healthcare.

His communication style combines warmth, humour, storytelling and clinical expertise, making complex psychiatric concepts understandable and accessible across educational and cultural backgrounds.”

Psychiatric Educator of the Year

Dr Rahul Bhattacharya

Rahul qualified in India and has worked in London over the last 25 years. He has has been part of the curriculum development work and MRCPsych examinations, especially Paper A as Chair.

He also delivers the MRCPsych course covering three trusts and is the IMG Lead for ELFT. He is handling editor for Education and training with the BJPsych Bulletin.

The judges said:

“I am delighted that the panel selected Dr Rahul Bhattacharya as Psychiatric Educator of the Year. What impressed me most was the breadth, depth and values that underpin his educational work. Rahul makes outstanding contributions at local, regional and national levels, combining educational excellence with a genuine commitment to equity, inclusion and learner development.

He is an exceptional mentor who invests in trainees, IMGs and multidisciplinary colleagues, while also shaping psychiatric education nationally through his leadership in assessment, curriculum development and educational innovation. Having known Rahul for many years, I have consistently been impressed by his integrity, collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to helping others succeed. He is a highly deserving recipient of this award.”

Psychiatric IMG Champion of the Year

Dr Ishaq Pala

Ishaq was born and grew up in Kashmir. He did his schooling in Srinagar and graduated from University of Kashmir.

He came to the UK in 2002 and did his psychiatry training on North London and East London rotations.

He has been working as Consultant in KMMH since 2012. His other roles are as SAS Tutor and an IMG lead.

The judges said:

“He is an exemplary role model, striving to inspire others to thrive both personally and professionally.”

Early Career Academic Researcher of the Year

Dr Katherine Beck

Dr Katherine Beck is a Clinical Lecturer and Consultant Psychiatrist advancing treatments for schizophrenia through neuroimaging, experimental medicine and clinical trials.

She has published over 45 papers, secured major research funding, and co-leads the Wellcome-funded PUMA platform. She is committed to mentorship, inclusion, patient engagement, and improving clinical care pathways.

The judges said:

“Despite being at an early career stage, she has already demonstrated exceptional academic leadership through a highly influential publication record, substantial competitive research funding, and the successful delivery of complex multidisciplinary studies with clear clinical relevance.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by her commitment to mentorship, inclusion and research culture, alongside a research portfolio that is already delivering significant scientific and clinical impact. "

Mid/Senior Career Academic Researcher of the Year

Professor Jonathan Green

Jonathan studied medicine in Cambridge, Paediatrics in London and Psychiatry in Oxford before establishing clinical and research groups in Manchester, UK.

He has worked in early attachment and social development, and developed parent-mediated supports for early autistic development (PACT and iBASIS) within an integrated identification/support pathway now used internationally; alongside recent co-production and phenomenological work with the autistic community.

The judges said:

“His work stands out for its exceptional breadth and impact, spanning fundamental scientific discovery, definitive clinical trial evidence, national guideline development, NHS service transformation and global implementation across multiple countries.

The judging panel was particularly impressed by his ability to translate world-leading research into measurable benefits for children, families and health systems, creating a lasting legacy in both policy and clinical practice.”

Specialty Doctor/Associate Specialist of the Year

Dr Seungyoun Moon

Dr Moon practises general adult psychiatry at North London NHS Foundation Trust, where she founded and leads the Portfolio Pathway for Specialist Registration.

She is International Liaison Lead for Mental Health Policy and Suicide Prevention to South Korea's Parliament, Expert Advisor to its National AI-driven Suicide Re-Attempt Prevention Project, and an internationally exhibiting professional artist confronting mental health stigma.

The judges said:

“I was struck by the sheer breadth of Dr Moon's leadership and achievements – across clinical services, research and education; across the fields of psychiatry and art; and across continents.

Dr Moon epitomises the very best of a portfolio career—an outstanding clinician, educator, researcher, leader, public speaker, and internationally acclaimed contemporary artist. Her work champions mental health, challenges stigma, and advances human rights across the UK, Europe, and South Korea.

Her clinical insight and expertise find powerful expression in her art, showcased through more than 20 solo exhibitions worldwide. She is a truly remarkable human being and an extraordinary doctor.”

Psychiatrist of the Year

Dr Annabel Price

Annabel is a consultant liaison psychiatrist specialising in the care of older people in the acute hospital and mental health at the end of life.

She is also an Associate Specialty Director for Palliative Care at the University of Cambridge Clinical School.

The judges said:

“Dr Annabel Price has made an exceptional impact through national leadership on the Assisted Dying Bill, pioneering clinical ethics, advancing compassionate palliative and liaison psychiatry.

“Her commitment to equality and integrating mental and physical healthcare makes her an outstanding role model for the profession.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Children and Adolescents

Mood, Emotions and Relationships Pathway, Devon Partnership NHS Trust

Mood, Emotions and Relationships (MERs) is an integrated, multidisciplinary pathway supporting children and young people experiencing significant mental health difficulties.

The team provides screening, triage, assessment and evidence-based interventions, working collaboratively with families and partner agencies to deliver timely, person-centred care, improve outcomes, reduce waits, and ensure children receive the right support at the right time.

The judges said:

“What impressed me was the scale of change, involving every clinician without new money. In 2025 more than 500 children were waiting over 18 weeks for assessment; by March this year that number was zero, and the 52-week waits had gone. The team did this within its existing establishment, carrying a 10–15% vacancy rate.

“The team reorganised its whole workforce, from assistant psychologists to the clinical director, into multidisciplinary assessment clinics. They added reminder texts and calls for families and used AI tools for MDT and consultation summarisation. No child was turned away without being directed somewhere appropriate.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Working-age Adults

NHS Primary Care Gambling Service

The NHS Primary Care Gambling Service provides free, confidential, and timely support to adults experiencing gambling harm across England.

They are represented tonight by:

• Sharon Fernandez – Director of Operations and Strategic Nurse Lead
• Dr Emma Ryan – Deputy Medical Director
• Paddy Kershaw – Psychological Therapies Manager
• Sabine Perrin – Mental Health Nurse
• Sam Haviland – Communications Officer

The judges said:

“The NHS Primary Care Gambling Service has transformed the treatment of gambling harms through an innovative, nationally influential model that combines psychiatric expertise, primary care and voluntary sector partnerships.

“Demonstrating exceptional leadership, measurable clinical outcomes, pioneering quality improvement and a genuinely biopsychosocial approach, the team has established a new benchmark for integrated care.

“Its evidence-based model, commitment to co-production and impressive reach have not only improved the lives of thousands of patients and families but have also shaped national practice, making it a truly outstanding winner.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Older-age Adults

DEMCARES India

The multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive, community-based mental healthcare services for older adults living in underserved rural communities in India, where access to specialist mental health services is extremely limited.

It offers awareness programmes, screening, diagnosis, and post-diagnosis support, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, using task-shifting approaches, telepsychiatry and electronic medical records.

The judges said:

“The setting up of a comprehensive multidisciplinary service in a setting with limited resources was genuinely inspiring.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Digital Mental Health

Oxford Precision Psychiatry (OxPPL)

Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab is a multidisciplinary group of international researchers, clinicians, methodologists and people with lived experience based at the University of Oxford.

The team's vision is using evidence synthesis to personalise treatments and reduce the burden of mental illness across the lifespan, transforming clinical practice globally through innovative and shared approaches in digital mental health, AI and bioethics.

The judges said:

“This submission demonstrates an exceptional combination of scientific excellence, digital innovation and real-world impact. The team has harnessed predictive modelling, machine learning and patient preferences to personalise treatment with antidepressant medication and has showcased a truly innovative approach to managing depression.

“The scale of the potential benefit, both within the NHS and across the world, makes this team a deserving recipient of the Psychiatric Team of the Year: Digital Mental Health.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Intellectual Disability

Haringey Learning Disability Partnership (HLDP), North London NHS Foundation Trust

HLDP is an integrated health and social care team supporting adults with intellectual disabilities.

Their Assessment and Intervention Team provides timely, evidence-based community support, helping prevent placement breakdown and hospital admissions.

Despite significant system pressures, they have developed innovative pathways in clinical genomics, dementia and autism, whilst maintaining a strong culture of education, training and co-production.

The judges said:

“They appear to be a caring MDT who use evidence based approaches, quality improvement techniques and effective use of resources to delivering high quality healthcare.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Research/Quality Improvement

Psychological Interventions Clinic for Outpatients with Psychosis (PICuP), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

PICuP is part of the National Psychosis Unit at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. It is an award-winning outpatient therapies service initially funded through a research trial for individuals with psychosis.

PICuP offers a range of evidence based psychological therapies including family interventions for people with distressing positive symptoms of psychosis, trauma and secondary emotional problems.

The judges said:

“What was particularly impressive was the strong clinical relevance of the work, addressing the very real impact of trauma for people living with psychosis and a gap in treatment that has persisted for too long. The combination of rigorous research, lived experience and rapid translation of the findings into clinical practice and training really stood out.

“I was also struck by the scale and quality of the evidence generated, with the team delivering the largest trial of its kind in this field while maintaining a strong focus on patient involvement throughout.

“Their commitment to co-production and to embedding the findings into routine services demonstrates how research can lead to meaningful, lasting improvements in care rather than remaining solely within academic settings.”

Psychiatric Team of the Year: Sustainability

Restormel CAMHS/CAMHS Goes Wild!, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Restormel CAMHS/CAMHS Goes Wild! have developed a model with young people to embed nature-based approaches and Lifestyle Medicine throughout clinical care.

In addition, their innovative partnership with Newquay Orchard delivers a place-based group intervention addressing some of the wider health determinants to treat (and prevent) ill health, and resources the young people into community opportunities to support ongoing recovery.

The judges said:

“From a very strong field, what set Restormel apart was how deliberately they are building nature-based lifestyle medicine into the everyday running of their service, from a co-designed garden used for appointments to new training for staff and rewritten governance processes.

“With support across the trust, strong community partnership and careful evaluation already showing encouraging clinical outcomes, this is a compelling model for the future of young people’s mental health care.

“The Restormel CAMHS team have led on an innovative project that embeds nature-based interventions and lifestyle medicine into the clinical service. The project is an excellent example of sustainable mental healthcare that is low carbon, improves prevention, and empowers patients and staff.”

Further information

If you have any queries about the awards, please contact the Membership Services team on MembershipServices@rcpsych.ac.uk.