World’s largest global prize for mental health science launches
The new Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature, will celebrate breakthrough interventions for depression, anxiety and psychosis that deliver real benefits to the people who need them, with a $1 million prize.
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Licence: All Rights ReservedCasarsaguru / Getty
2-minute read
2-minute read
Across the world, millions of people are affected by mental health conditions, and only a tiny proportion have access to mental healthcare. Despite advances in science, too few breakthroughs are translated into real-world interventions. The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science with Nature has been launched to champion innovation and drive progress in this critical area.
Who is the prize for?
The prize is open to researchers, teams and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Submissions must be backed by high-quality research, be informed by people with lived experience of mental health conditions and show clear potential to improve people's lives at scale.
The overall winner will receive $1 million, with three finalists awarded $250,000 each. The winners will also receive global recognition and practical support to help bring their interventions to the people that need them.
How will the prize be judged?
The prize is backed by Wellcome and Nature, both renowned globally for scientific excellence.
It will be judged by an expert panel against four key criteria:
- novelty
- credibility
- effectiveness
- adoptability
The strength of lived experience engagement will also be assesed.
Why launch a prize?
The aim of the prize is to prevent people from being held back by mental health challenges, and change the narrative on mental health to one of opportunity and progress.
Research in mental health can change lives. Scientific breakthroughs are already leading to more effective mental health treatments and better management of illnesses, offering hope for many people all over the world.
How to apply
Applications are open now.
Applications must be submitted through the online form by 11:59pm UTC 00:00 on 18 September 2026 to be eligible.
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