A University of Worcester Professor has won one of the biggest prizes in the world of early intervention and mental health at an award ceremony in Berlin.
Jo Smith OBE, Emeritus Professor of Early Intervention and Psychosis, won the Richard Wyatt Award from the International Early Psychosis Association.
The award is given for outstanding contributions to the field of early intervention in psychosis and mental health, recognising individuals whose work has significantly advanced research, clinical practice, or advocacy in mental health.
Professor Smith was selected as the recipient for her leadership and dedication to transforming early intervention in psychosis throughout a career spanning more than four decades. which has seen her directly shape national and international policy and practice.
“Early intervention in psychosis has been my ‘baby’ for my whole career,” said Jo. “The scale of what we have achieved internationally has been staggering. This award is acknowledgement from peers around the world for my contribution to this work, and it is a lovely way to mark the latter stage of my career as I move towards retirement”
She continued: “I was particularly touched to have been nominated for the award by a colleague from the USA, which reflects the international collaboration with colleagues from many different countries over the years.”
This is the latest prestigious accolade to be awarded to Professor Smith, after she was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2023 for her services to Higher Education and her contributions to student suicide prevention and response.
Professor Smith has been involved in a number of research studies which have focussed on the needs of young people first experiencing episodes of psychosis and their families and has become one of the world’s leading authorities on the subject.
She has been involved in developing early intervention in psychosis services locally in Worcestershire, nationally in England and Wales as well as internationally in several different countries, including Ireland and Japan.
Professor Smith said: “I am the 11th person to get this award, since its inception in 2004 following the sudden early death of an eminent American Early Intervention psychiatrist, Professor Richard Wyatt.”
She added: “The award was established to honour Richard’s contributions to the field of early intervention in psychosis and is given biennially. Recipients are some of the biggest names in a global field and so I’m truly honoured to now have my name listed alongside those colleagues who’ve been given this award previously.”
Dr Karen O’Connor, Consultant Psychiatrist, advocated for Professor Smith’s candidacy for the award.
She said: “Professor Smith has demonstrated an exceptional blend of clinical leadership, research innovation, educational influence, mentorship and suicide prevention advocacy.”
She added: “She has shaped national and international service development, advanced the field through groundbreaking research, and inspired future generations of practitioners and scholars.”
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk