National Young Person's Mental Health Research Award
The Young Person's Mental Health Research Award is an initiative by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales to promote research, innovation, and awareness of Mental Health problems across Wales.
The national programme is designed to encourage young people to undertake and submit research focussing on current Mental Health issues. Winners will be selected based upon the originality of their research and the quality of their project presentation.
Expressions of interest for 2025/26 are now open. Please complete the registration form and we will be in touch with further information.
Timelines
- All expressions of interest should be received by 12 December 2025.
- Entries must be submitted by 20 February 2026.
- Winning entries will be announced in March 2026.
FAQs
Here is further detail on the award, whilst the further information and forms will be distributed directly once expressions of interest have been registered by completing the light blue box on the right of the screen. Any further queries can be directed to Dafydd Huw.
The awards are open to any students in years 12 and 13.
There is no limit on how many students’ work can be submitted from an individual school.
Whilst the Royal College of Psychiatrists Wales is the professional body which primarily represents doctors, we are keen for this new award to be open to any person who has an interest in mental health. Entrants could include those who are curious about a career in a healthcare profession, have an interest in scientific analysis or have a more personal connection to current mental health issues.
Students must submit a completed abstract submission form alongside a written methodology and results.
The discussion section of the research can be submitted in any format chosen by the student(s). For example, this could be a written report, PowerPoint presentation, poster, video, podcast, or a combination.
Submissions can be received in English or Welsh.
There are a number of different options, and much depends upon the topic of research being considered.
Some examples include literature reviews, audits, interviews or reports.
Winners will be selected based upon the originality of their research and the quality of their project presentation. The judging criteria will be supplied to entrants.
The winner’s work will be displayed at the Academic Conference of Royal College of Psychiatrists Wales, the Welsh Psychiatric Society, and the National Centre for Mental Health.
The winner will also receive a £100 gift card.
Shortlisted entries will be displayed on the College’s website.
Submissions can be received as an individual, or as a group (maximum five people)
We'd ask that interest is registered by completing the digital form in the light blue box, and all papers will be sent directly.
2024/25 Winner
Here is 2024/25's winning entry. The linked press release contains the study undertaken by Jess.
Social Media and Our Mental Health: A Student Perspective
Jess Groves, a year 10 student from St Brigid’s School, Denbighshire, is the winner of our National Young Person's Mental Health Research Award for 2024/25.
Jess’ research focused on the effect of social media on adolescent mental health, and how it’s designed to be addictive.
Her study is accessible through the linked press release: RCPsych Wales National Young Persons Mental Health Research Award 2024/25
