Lincoln is set to become a regional centre for mental health research thanks to a £10.96 million National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) investment. The new Lincolnshire Unit for Mental Health Research (LUMHR), led by the University of Lincoln with Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) and local partners including NHS Lincolnshire ICB, will focus on improving support in rural, coastal and small urban deprived communities.

Building on the NIHR Guiding Lincolnshire’s Mental Health Research (GLiMHR) programme, LUMHR is one of five new Mental Health Research Groups funded nationally in 2025/26.

The initiative aims to reach people who have historically been under-represented in health studies, ensuring that future treatments and services are designed by—and for—the people of Lincolnshire.

The investment will enable closer collaboration with local communities and people with lived experience to address key mental health challenges in Lincolnshire, said joint lead Professor Nima Golijani-Moghaddam. Joint lead Professor David Dawson added that the focus on prevention, access and long-term wellbeing will help generate evidence that reflects life in the county and drives lasting improvements in mental health care.  LPFT Chief Executive Sarah Connery has welcomed the investment, highlighting its impact on collaboration, innovation and future mental health care across the county.

The Lincolnshire Unit for Mental Health Research will formally launch in May 2026. Further updates will be shared as the project develops.