The HRB advances mental health research through investments in projects, career awards, and the national mental health research network. Since 2022 the Department of Health has provided the HRB with a dedicated annual budget for mental health research aligned with Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone. As part of the policy’s Implementation Plan 2022-2024, the HRB developed the National Mental Health Research Strategy. Since the strategy’s publication in 2024, we have aligned our invesments in mental health research with its priorities.
National Mental Health Research Strategy
The HRB led the development of the strategy by convening the National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group and by supporting the group throughout their deliberations. The independent Chair of the Group was Dr Fiona Keogh, and membership included lived experience experts, research leaders, CEOs of non-profit organisations, and public sector experts.
A key feature of the strategy’s development was a public consultation process led by the HRB, which included a national survey and a series of workshops with key stakeholders. This process ensured that the strategy reflects the perspectives of people with lived experience, researchers from diverse fields, policymakers, and service providers.
Implementation and Oversight Group
To oversee the delivery of the National Mental Health Research Strategy, an Implementation and Oversight Group was established by the Department of Health in 2025. The group will develop the first implementation plan for the strategy and will ensure accountability in achieving the strategy’s goals and recommended actions.
The Implementation and Oversight Group brings together representatives from government departments, state agencies, service providers, clinicians, academic researchers, and people with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Membership includes two HRB representatives from the Reserach Strategy & Funding Directorate.