Mental Health
Research UK
The first UK charity dedicated to raising funds for research into mental illnesses, their causes and cures.
Donate NowProfessor Clair Chilvers
We are very saddened to report that Clair Chilvers died on the 28th June after a short illness.
Our supporters and friends might be interested to read her obituary in the Times.
Clair's death following a short illness has shocked and saddened all of us at MHRUK. Clair was one of the founders of MHRUK back in 2008 and served as Chair of Trustees from 2011-2021. Yet even after she stepped down, she continued to contribute to the day-to-day running of the charity in many ways, and was doing so right up until her final illness made this impossible. It's not an exaggeration to say that she was the beating heart of the charity for many years.
At the celebration of her life in Cheltenham on 13 September 2024, we learned about the many remarkable facets of her extraordinary life. As well as her contributions to MHRUK she was a much-loved mother, grandmother and partner; a pioneering researcher in epidemiology in an age of significant gender discrimination; a senior NHS manager; an accomplished poet; an energetic supporter of the Arts and Culture scene in Cheltenham; and a committed Christian who contributed hugely to her local church. She was also a kind friend loved by many. There was a strong sense that she lived a life of service, trying to make the world a better place with her characteristic intelligence, compassion and humour. It was notable that among her many achievements, she was particularly proud of her work with MHRUK and asked for donations in her memory to be made to our charity.
In the epilogue of her series of poems entitled Island, she quotes Thucydides: "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but is what is woven into the lives of others". Amongst Clair's many legacies are what she wove into the lives of the scholars we have supported, and the many beneficiaries of their research. Our duty as trustees is to protect and build on this legacy, with your support.
All donations in Clair's memory will go to Mental Health Research UK and the Clair Chilvers PhD scholarship.
The Trustees of Mental Health Research UK
Our mission
To fund research that gives hope and improves lives, providing a better future for everyone affected by mental health problems.
Our focus
To fund talented early-career UK-based mental health research scientists whose work will lead to the prevention, early diagnosis, or treatment of mental ill-health.
Our vision
A world where mental health problems are better understood, better prevented, and better treated.
Our Impact
Meet the students we have funded,
and learn more about their research.
We currently fund 2 PhDs every year. Our vision is be able to fund 5 PhDs every year. You can help us achieve that goal! We fund a range of topics, but we do have a particular interest in psychosis and schizophrenia because of our John Grace QC Scholarship and the Schizophrenia Research Fund.
For more detailed descriptions of scholarships awarded, please see our research page.
