Who We Are
Advocates For Transforming Mental Health
Research has created better diagnosis and treatment for many physical conditions, but progress has been slower for mental illness. As the UK's leading mental health research charity, we believe it’s time to shatter the status quo.
With our community of supporters and a global scientific network, it’s time to transform mental health through research.
Our Story So Far
Since 2013, MQ has been focused on investing in mental health research to improve our understanding, treatment and to one day prevent it from occurring in the first place. MQ has made a huge impact by funding research all over the world and supporting many early-career researchers through funding. Yet, even with this progress our mission is far from over.
Watch the video to learn more about MQ and the importance of mental health research.
What We Do
Our ultimate goal for the future is to see a world where mental illness doesn't exist.
Advocacy
Advocate the importance of mental health research and raise money.
Support Research
Fund early-career scientists and support their mental health research projects.
Prevent Mental Illness
Improve treatments of mental illness and to prevent it from occuring.
With the help of our supporters and a global network of leading scientists, we can make this a reality. Together, we are championing and funding research into mental health that will change millions of lives.
Why Mental Health Research?
Researchers have made extraordinary advances in treating many physical health conditions. But we’ve lagged behind in treating mental illnesses, even though these conditions will affect 1 in 4 of us. Research into the causes, treatment and prevention of mental illness is nowhere near where it should be, leaving behind millions of people worldwide.
Our Impact
Since 2013 we have made huge strides in our goal to prevent mental illnesses.
Money Raised
For every £1 invested in grants an additional £11.16 has been raised.
New Developments
10 new therapeutic interventions developed from MQ funded research.
Global Impact
We have funded research across 6 continents.
Research Project Examples
These are just a few examples of the researches that we have supported and invested in.
Thriving in a Post Pandemic World
In 2020, MQ responded to the rapidly growing COVID-19 crisis by investing in research that would help society to thrive post pandemic. Our research looked into Covid's impact on vulnerable groups, understanding its effect on mental health and workplace mental health.
Gone Too Soon Programme
In 2023, we funded seven separate researchers and invested £2.2 million into projects centered around premature death through our fellowship programme, as people with serious mental illnesses pass away, on average, 10-20 years earlier than the general population.
The Impact of the Internet on Young People's Mental Health
Back in 2024 we published a report that found social media use itself cannot be attributed to the rise in mental illnesses in young people, but that doesn’t mean tech companies are off the hook when it comes to their responsibilities for keeping young people healthy.
Your donations for critical research to improve treatment of mental illness will transform millions of lives.
Lea Milligan
How Do We Fund Research?
Research is the first step towards making our goals a reality, and that’s where your help makes a difference. For every gift that MQ receives, we funnel it to mental health research programmes at the world’s top universities, where mental illness is meticulously studied to gain a better understanding of it, which in turn improves treatments and prevent mental illnesses from arising in the first place.
Stay Up To Date
Sign Up To Our Newsletter
Sign up and join the MQ community where you will receive our monthly newsletter filled with the latest information and updates in the world of mental health research. Find out about new research, treatments and the various opportunities to support MQ and mental health research.