Youth mental health took centre stage at the Society for Mental Health Research (SMHR) conference in Sydney earlier this month, with Orygen's Professor Andy Thompson awarded the SMHR Oration Award in recognition of his 20 year commitment to improving outcomes for people experiencing psychosis.
Each year, the SMHR Oration medal is awarded to a prominent member of the Australian and New Zealand psychiatric research community, recognising their track record of publications and grants, and the impact of their work across the mental health field.
Professor Thompson's work includes the development of a national network for early psychosis research and quality improvements, and trialling major new virtual reality treatments in Orygen's world-leading Extended Reality (XR) Innovation Lab to help young people recover from psychosis.
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Professor Thompson (right) receiving the SMHR Oration award in Sydney
SMHR President, Professor Stephen Wood, said the Oration award reflected research excellence as well as impact in the community.
“Mental health research has never been more important, and youth mental health is of particular concern among researchers, clinicians, and society as a whole,” Professor Wood said.
“This award recognises Andy’s dedication to the mental health of young people, and a commitment to early intervention and innovative interventions which have tremendous potential to change – and even save – the lives of people experiencing psychosis.”
Professor Thompson said he was delighted to receive the award, and highlighted the importance of ongoing research into psychosis and novel interventions to treat emerging illness.
“We are seeing awareness and understanding of early or emerging psychosis continue to grow, and I’m honoured to receive this recognition from fellow researchers and peers,” Professor Thompson said.
“Early intervention is key to better outcomes for young people with psychosis, and Orygen is leading the way with research that has tangible positive impacts on young people who might previously have not received optimal treatments.”
About the Society for Mental Health Research
The Society for Mental Health Research was established in 1978 and provides an environment for Australian and New Zealand researchers and clinicians from all sub-disciplines of psychiatry and mental health to come together to promote the importance of mental health research.