Posted August 11th 2025
Jon said: “Ian’s highly skilled, compassionate and inclusive leadership approach has helped NCMH enhance its reputation as an internationally recognised centre of mental health research excellence. Not only has Ian overseen research that has helped improve people’s mental health and wellbeing, but he has also supported the development of NCMH staff and many others he has collaborated with, who are now fully committed to building on his work.”
Professor Jones, a consultant psychiatrist and internationally renowned expert in mood and perinatal mental health, has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and direction of NCMH since its inception. First, Ian served as deputy director under the leadership of founding director, Professor Nick Craddock; he assumed the role of director upon Professor Craddock’s retirement 11 years ago.
Since its inception under the leadership of Nick Craddock, he helped establish the centre as a hub of world-class research, collaboration, and patient involvement.
Among his many achievements, Professor Jones led ground-breaking work on bipolar disorder, particularly around postpartum psychosis – an area in which he is widely regarded as a global authority. His research has not only advanced clinical understanding but also improved outcomes for many women and families experiencing severe mental illness during and after pregnancy.
“I want to thank you, not only for everything you’ve done for NCMH but also for me. You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself; you are a truly an amazing human!
Enjoy this next stage of your life and thank you for being such an important part of mine,”said NCMH Research Champion, Laura.
Ian has published extensively in the field, with over 300 scientific papers to his name, and has played a key role in several major research programmes, including the Bipolar Disorder Research Network (BDRN) which explores the biological and psychological predictors of bipolar disorder.
Under his leadership, NCMH became one of the UK’s leading centres for mental health research, recruiting more than 30,000 participants across Wales and beyond. He championed a collaborative, inclusive approach that placed lived experience at the heart of research – ensuring that the voices of service users and carers were not just heard, but central to the Centre’s work.
Professor Jones has also been a dedicated mentor and educator, supporting the next generation of psychiatrists, psychologists, and researchers. His passion for translating science into meaningful change has inspired colleagues across disciplines and across the world.
As he steps down from his leadership role at NCMH, his impact will continue to be felt in the ongoing work of the Centre and the wider mental health community. His legacy is one of progress, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the importance of understanding mental illness to better support those affected.
Director of Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Professor Jeremy Hall said: “Ian has been not only a great leader for NCMH but has also had a huge impact on the lives of so many people through his own research work. His research on postpartum psychosis, postpartum depression and bipolar disorder has positively impacted the lives of many people across the UK and beyond. He has also been a passionate advocate of involving people with lived experience in research and engaging the wider community about the importance of research and innovation in mental health. He will be missed but will leave a lasting legacy.”
We extend our deepest thanks to Professor Ian Jones for his extraordinary service and wish him the very best in his next chapter.
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