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Psychological medicine and clinical neurosciences

A bird's eye view of the Hadyn Ellis building foyer busy with visitors.
Visitors to the Hadyn Ellis building meeting Cardiff University researchers.

Our research aims to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying major psychiatric and neurological disorders.

The division hosts more than 160 academic and research staff, and more than 40 current postgraduate research students.

Our programmes of work include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression in children and adolescents, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy among others.

We have a major focus on genetics and genomics but also an interest in brain imaging, epidemiology, cell biology, molecular and behavioural neuroscience, bioinformatics and data science. In addition, there is also work on psychoeducation, health services, and patient and public involvement and engagement.

Our research in psychiatry and neuroscience was ranked 7th in the UK by REF 2021. 95% of our research is deemed as either world-leading or internationally excellent.

The division is home to several research centres:

As well as the Canopi mental health support service.

Latest news

Read the most current research news from the Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences.

Meet the researcher: unravelling the mysteries of brain development

5 August 2026

Olivia Squire, PhD researcher at the Hodge Centre for Translational Neuroscience, shares her experiences of working to understand how the brain develops.

A diverse group of people stand outside smiling in front of the Hadyn Ellis Building

International summer school reaches new heights in its sixteenth year

30 July 2026

The annual Summer School in Brain Disorders Research, hosted by Cardiff University's Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (CNGG) and the National Centre for Mental Health, returned this July for its sixteenth year.

A group of researchers smiling and looking directly towards the camera. Four researchers are sitting, and three others are standing behind.

New AI system to transform symptom measurement in psychosis research

15 July 2026

The SYLFAEN project secures new Wellcome’s funding programme

Wolfson Centre celebrates five years of research

18 June 2026

The Wolfson Centre for Young People’s Mental Health marked its fifth anniversary with a celebration event.

Children blowing bubbles

Webinar reveals results of study on feeding and eating difficulties in children with rare genetic conditions

1 April 2026

Researchers from the Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (CNGG) at Cardiff University and University College London (UCL) have presented findings of eating difficulties in children with rare genetic conditions.

Person in army uniform, leaning forward talking to a medical professional holding a clipboard

New PTSD therapy for military veterans

26 March 2026

A new tailored PTSD therapy is an effective and scalable treatment option for veterans.

Event marks contributions of world-renowned neuropsychiatric genetics researchers

25 March 2026

An event in honour of Professor Sir Michael Owen and Professor Michael O’Donovan to mark their world-renowned contributions to the field of neuropsychiatric genetics and wider mental health research. 

Female doctor talking to a female patient in a consultation at the hospital while taking notes on a clipboard

ADHD gender gap linked with later diagnosis and poorer outcomes

10 March 2026

Late diagnosis of ADHD in girls and young women is associated with increased mental health issues, self-harm, alcohol use and drug use.

Colourful silhouettes of human faces

Thousands recruited for “new era” severe mental illness study

16 February 2026

GlobalMinds’ three-year study led by mental health data science company Akrivia Health Ltd in partnership with Cardiff University

Meet the Brain and Genomics Hub: new centre shares plans to advance mental health research

6 October 2025

Cardiff University has unveiled its new Brain and Genomics Hub, advancing research into the causes and treatment of severe mental health conditions.