In a ground-breaking development in the field of paediatric psychiatry, Professor Samuele Cortese has been awarded a Research Professorship by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) for his work in personalising the medical treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.
Professor Cortese, who is an Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for Solent NHS Trust, and Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton, is renowned in the field of child and adolescent mental health, having dedicated his career to better understanding disorders relating to the brain’s neurological pathways, in particular ADHD.
ADHD is a type of disorder that influences how the brain functions and alters neurological development, causing difficulties in social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. It affects millions of children worldwide, and has been the subject of intensive study and debate within the scientific community. Professor Cortese's work stands out for its focus on tailoring medical treatments to each child's individual needs.
The NIHR Research Professorship is a mark of recognition for outstanding achievement and leadership in research, and is a testament to Professor Cortese's commitment to improving the lives of children with ADHD. The award provides considerable funding and support, allowing him to further expand his research and investigate further into the subtle differences of personalised treatments.
Commenting on the significance of this award, Solent’s Director of Research and Improvement, Dr Sarah Williams stated:
"We are so very proud of Samuele and the significant difference he is making to the treatment of those with ADHD. As a practicing clinician in our Child and Adult Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Samuele knows first-hand how children and families are impacted. His programme of work will seek a personalised approach to treatments - excitingly this will be designed for easy use by clinicians, and will also enable patients and families to set their own preferences. It’s a special example of truly applied clinically-led research. Huge congratulations."
The NIHR Research Professorship will enable Professor Cortese to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, harness cutting-edge technologies, and conduct large-scale studies to refine and validate his personalised treatment approaches. The ultimate goal is to revolutionise the way ADHD is managed, providing children with more targeted and efficient interventions that enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
The award not only celebrates past achievements but also serves as a catalyst for further advancements in personalised medicine and mental health care for some of the youngest members of our society.
Further details of the studies and publications that Professor Cortese has been a part of can be found on the University of Southampton's website.