South London and Maudsley clinician honoured with major European award
Professor Paola Dazzan, a Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley has been recognised with one of Europe’s leading mental health awards.
Professor Paola Dazzan was selected by members of the jury of the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) as the 2026 winner of the EPA Constance Pascal – Helen Boyle Prize for Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in Working to Improve Mental Health Care in Europe.
Alongside her clinical work at SLaM, Professor Dazzan is a senior academic at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience and a key research lead at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre and her work has transformed understanding of the early stages of psychosis and how life experiences shape mental health.
On receiving the award, Professor Dazzan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this EPA Award, dedicated to two women whose work helped shape the field I am so passionate about. This recognition is profoundly meaningful, not only personally but also for the teams, colleagues, and mentors who have supported and inspired me throughout the years. Improving mental health care in Europe is something we can only achieve together, and I feel privileged to contribute to this shared mission while helping nurture the next generation of scientists and clinicians.”
Known as an advocate for diversity and gender equality in mental health research and clinical practice, Professor Dazzan trained at the Maudsley Hospital and continues to play an important role in supporting communities across South London. Her long-standing commitment to research, teaching and clinical care has made her a respected figure both locally and internationally.
The award highlights the global significance of the mental health research, training and clinical excellence emerging from the Maudsley, which continues to be one of the most influential centres for psychiatric innovation both in the UK and internationally.
