Professor Dalgleish is an eminent cognitive neuroscientist and clinical psychologist whose research focuses on improving how we understand and treat mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. He is particularly committed to translating scientific insights into practical tools and therapies that support the mental health of children, young people, and adults.  

Professor Dalgleish was the Programme Lead for the Cognition, Emotion and Mental Health Programme at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, and Director of the Cambridge Centre for Affective Disorders (C2:AD), a partnership between the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, and the University of Cambridge.  

His work has contributed to new NICE guidance for the prevention of adult depression, for collaborative care for treatment-resistant depression, and on the use of cognitive therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in children and young people. 

Professor Dalgleish said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be appointed to the inaugural Dawson Professorship and to be joining the Department of Psychology and St Catharine's College. I am profoundly grateful to the Dawsons for their philanthropy and their deep and sincere commitment to the mental health of young people. I am looking forward to working with new colleagues in the Department and across the University to develop and enhance preventions and interventions that can improve the lives of children and adolescents struggling with mental health problems.” 

The Dawson Professorship of Young People’s Mental Health will be based in the Department of Psychology at Cambridge and hold a Fellowship at St Catharine’s College. The Department’s proximity to Student Support Services will facilitate close collaboration with colleagues on the integration of the latest scientific research findings into practical interventions, ensuring evidence-based support that is tailored to the unique needs of Cambridge students. 

The establishment of this new professorship comes at a time of growing concern about the mental health of young people and reflects Cambridge’s commitment to addressing this urgent societal challenge through world-leading research. 

Speaking about Professor Dalgleish’s appointment, Professor Jeff Dalley, Head of the Department of Psychology and Fellow of St Catharine's, said: 

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Tim Dalgleish to our Department. His world-leading expertise and leadership in evidence-based psychological interventions in young people, informed by behavioural and brain research, has never been more important as rates of mental health problems continue to soar in our society. Tim's appointment will ensure the Department of Psychology further strengthens its presence at the forefront of research on mental health in young people.” 

Professor Rebecca Lawson, Deputy Head of School of Biological Sciences for Research Strategy, said: 

“Tim has an outstanding track record in mental health research, particularly in mood, anxiety and stress disorders in children and adolescents. Throughout his career, he has successfully translated basic research findings into clinical interventions and brings a wealth of expertise and experience that will be invaluable for our vision for mental health research across the School of Biological Sciences. We are excited to have Tim on board and look forward to working together to drive new insights in this important field.” 

It is currently estimated that 1 in 5 young people in England has a mental health condition, compared to 1 in 8 in 2017. As mental health concerns among young people continue to rise globally, this important position will ensure that Cambridge not only leads the way in advancing the science of young people’s mental health but also provides the best possible evidence-based support to its students. 

This new professorship has been made possible thanks to the vision and generosity of Christina and Peter Dawson. It builds on their previous giving to student mental health and wellbeing and will provide a transformational addition to mental health research at Cambridge and beyond. 

Christina and Peter Dawson offered warm words of welcome to Professor Tim Dalgleish: 

“We wholeheartedly welcome Professor Tim Dalgleish’s appointment and are delighted that he will hold a Fellowship at St Catharine’s College. In addition to his eminent academic expertise, we also value his sincerity and engaging personality.”   

Peter read Natural Sciences at St Catharine’s, and both he and Christina are Honorary Fellows and long-standing supporters of both the College and the University. 

Sir John Benger, Master of St Catharine's, said, “I am delighted to welcome Professor Dalgleish and know the St Catharine’s community will extend to him the warm welcome for which we are known. A place of learning since 1473, I am proud that the St Catharine’s Fellowship doesn’t stand still but instead embraces the arrival of academics like Professor Dalgleish, who advance our understanding of the world around us through their cutting-edge research and innovative teaching." 

Professor Dalgleish will take up the post in January 2026.