An internationally recognised psychiatrist and clinician-scientist has been appointed the inaugural John and Lynlee Harriott Chair in Mental Health Research, strengthening The University of Western Australia’s commitment to advancing mental health research, innovation and impact.
Professor Bernhard Baune joins UWA as a globally respected leader in psychiatry whose research spans precision psychiatry, personalised mental health care, treatment-resistant mental illness, neuroinflammation, pharmacogenomics and emerging approaches to improving mental health outcomes.
Image: Professor Bernhard Baune.
The appointment marks a significant milestone in a philanthropic vision established by Dr John Harriott to create a lasting legacy in mental health research and improve the lives of people affected by mental illness.
Based at UWA's Medical School, Professor Baune will lead a world-class interdisciplinary program focused on translating research discoveries into improved prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the appointment would elevate UWA's leadership in mental health research nationally and internationally.
“Professor Baune is one of the world's leading clinician-scientists in psychiatry and mental health research,” Professor Nowak said.
“His appointment reflects UWA's ambition to deliver research excellence that translates into real-world benefits for individuals, families and communities.
“We are deeply grateful to Dr John Harriott for his extraordinary generosity and vision in establishing this Chair, which will create lasting impact for generations to come.”
Professor Baune has held senior academic and clinical leadership positions in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom, including appointments at the University of Münster, the University of Melbourne and the University of Adelaide.
His research integrates clinical psychiatry, population and health-service data, molecular and digital biomarkers, artificial intelligence, neuroimmunology and clinical trials to improve outcomes for people with severe, complex and treatment-resistant mental illness.
“This Chair provides a unique platform to build innovative, multidisciplinary research that addresses the complex causes of mental ill health and delivers real-world solutions,” Professor Baune said.
“My ambition is to foster research that not only advances scientific understanding, but also creates measurable benefits for individuals, families and communities.”
The Chair was made possible through the generosity of Dr Harriott, a UWA graduate, retired anaesthetist and longstanding supporter of mental health initiatives.
Dr Harriott's support of mental health research has contributed to the establishment and growth of UWA’s WA Suicide Prevention and Resilience Research Centre.