Winners announced for RCPsych in Wales Young Person’s Mental Health Research Award 2025/26

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The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025/26 Young Person’s Mental Health Research Award, celebrating outstanding student-led research from across Wales.

This year’s competition received a record number of expressions of interest and submissions, reflecting strong engagement from young people exploring mental health and wellbeing.

First place was awarded to Gwenan Dickenson (pictured), a year 12 student at Ysgol Gymraeg Gwynllyw, for Music and its effect on pupils' productivity and ability to concentrate, an impressive project conducted and written in Welsh.

Second place was awarded to Isobel Fisher and Eloise Pitkin-Thomas, both year 12 students at Ysgol Stanwell, for their important research into Sixth-Form Stress: the relationship between internal factors and academic stress for sixth form students.

Third place went to Menna Hippsley-Jones, a year 12 student at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, for her thought-provoking study, Fit but fragile – when exercise starts to harm mental health.

Entries were evaluated based on originality and quality of presentation, with judges Dr Sara Forman and Dr Sunil Syal praising the high standard of submissions and the thoughtful engagement shown throughout.

Professor Alka Ahuja MBE, Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales, said:

“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of this year’s participants. The record level of interest reflects the passion and commitment of young people across Wales to understanding mental health. The quality of work submitted has been impressive, and these projects highlight the importance of listening to young voices and supporting their interest in research.”

The award is open to students in Years 10-13 and offers an opportunity to develop research skills while contributing to wider conversations about mental health.

RCPsych in Wales would like to extend its sincere thanks to all students who took part, and to the judges for their time, expertise, and valuable feedback.

Further information about the award

Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales Young Person’s Mental Health Research Award