Prof Murray Hon. Fellow of American College of Psychiatrists
Sir Robin Murray, Professor of Psychiatric Research at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London has been made an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Psychiatrists.
The awards recognize distinguished mental health professionals who have made significant scientific and clinical contributions to the field of psychiatry.
Sir Robin is one of the most cited schizophrenia researchers. His major contribution has been to originate the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia, and quantify specific environmental causes for schizophrenia such as obstetric events, early childhood events and social adversity.
His work has spanned controversial areas such as linking cannabis misuse to psychosis and the increased incidence of schizophrenia in people from black and ethnic minority groups. His research has implications for prevention and has influenced policy.
In 2011-12, he chaired the UK Schizophrenia Commission which reviewed current understanding of schizophrenia and recommended priority actions to improve the current poor standard of care that patients with psychosis receive.
He is dedicated to nurturing young researchers and has personally supervised over 60 graduate students to achieve higher research degrees, many now senior academics around the world. He continues his research at the IoP and his clinical work at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust.
He is one of only four psychiatrists ever to be made a Fellow of the UK Royal Society, and was awarded a Knighthood in 2011.
The American College of Psychiatrists comprises more than 750 psychiatrists who have demonstrated excellence in the field of psychiatry, and achieved national recognition in clinical practice, research, academic leadership, or teaching. Sir Robin joins a list of Honorary Fellows at the College which includes several academics from the IoP at King’s: Dinesh Bhugra, Professor of Cultural Diversity and Mental Health; Sir David Goldberg, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry; Malcolm Lader, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology; and Sir Michael Rutter, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology.
Professor Murray commented: “I am very happy to receive this award from the American College. 20 years ago they gave me the Stanley Dean prize which involved giving a lecture. Recently I met an attendee who said 'I have been quoting you ever since you gave that Dean lecture.' Flattered, I asked him which aspect of our research it was. He said 'I have no idea what research you talked about. I have been quoting a joke you made!' Hopefully some of my research has stood the test of time too.”
For further information, please contact Seil Collins, Press Officer, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London +44 (0) 207 848 5377 / seil.collins@kcl.ac.uk