Wellcome Launches Groundbreaking Prize for Mental Health Science Innovation

The Wellcome Prize for Mental Health Science, in partnership with Nature, has been launched to foster innovation and drive progress in one of the most urgent yet underfunded areas of global health. This award stands as the largest of its kind in the world, specifically dedicated to mental health science, recognizing and supporting groundbreaking advancements in anxiety, depression, and psychosis that lead to measurable impacts.

Professor Miranda Wolpert, the Director of Mental Health at Wellcome, remarked, “We are witnessing a genuine revolution in mental health science, with research advancements paving the way for new understandings and treatments of mental health issues. This prize will celebrate extraordinary discoveries poised to transform lives.” The award focuses on recognizing interventions that demonstrate significant improvements in patient outcomes, aiming to shed light on existing opportunities and advancements within mental health.

Despite recent success stories, the challenges ahead remain substantial. Over one billion people globally live with mental disorders, yet many health systems struggle to meet these needs. Public spending on mental health globally averages a mere 2.1% of total health expenditures, which varies widely from 0.04 USD per person in low-income countries to 65.89 USD in wealthier nations. The global median of specialized mental health professionals stands at 13.5 per 100,000 people, with numbers dwindling to just 1–2 in low-income nations. The need for resources and solutions is pressing.

Anxiety and depression currently rank as the leading causes of disability worldwide, and troublingly, only about 9% of individuals suffering from depression receive adequate treatment. This ongoing mental health crisis represents a multifaceted burden for affected individuals and societies alike, as untreated mental disorders increase the risks of physical illnesses while diminishing quality of life. Additionally, they result in significant productivity losses and economic costs, with an estimated 12 billion workdays lost each year globally due to anxiety and depression.

Dr. Magdalena Skipper, Editor-in-Chief of Nature and chair of the prize’s judging panel, emphasized the necessity of robust, cross-disciplinary research to tackle fundamental medical challenges such as mental health. By showcasing rigorously researched and applicable solutions, the prize aims to quicken progress and provide a platform for those whose work holds the potential to drive change in policies and practices on a global scale. “I am thrilled that we can collaborate with Wellcome on this award, as highlighting multidisciplinary research that stimulates progress is at the heart of what we do at Nature,” she stated.

The prize is currently open for applications from research teams and small to medium-sized organizations worldwide, with a submission deadline set for September 18, 2026. Candidates must showcase high scientific rigor, be informed by lived experiences, and demonstrate clear potential for improving mental health outcomes on a large scale. Finalists will be announced in May 2027, followed by the announcement of the winner in June 2027, who will receive a grand prize of 1 million USD. Additionally, three finalist teams will receive 250,000 USD each, along with global recognition and visibility of their research, as well as practical support through a development program designed to facilitate the integration of their interventions into public policy.

Backed by Wellcome and Nature, the award brings together two globally recognized entities known for their commitment to scientific excellence and investment in the international community. Mental health is a priority for Wellcome, which is focused on supporting new approaches to early interventions regarding anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The Nature Awards team will help design and execute a visible global award that is inclusive and credible. The applications will be evaluated by a panel of experts, including Magdalena Skipper, Professor Chyrell Bellamy from the Yale School of Medicine, and Obi Felten from Google X, among others, based on four key criteria: novelty, credibility, effectiveness, and adoptability, alongside the strength of lived experience engagement.

Celebrating these scientific advancements will help accelerate the adoption of solutions that enhance access to quality treatments and interventions. Applications are now open, and eligible research teams and small to medium enterprises are invited to apply.

About Wellcome

Wellcome supports science to address the world’s most urgent health challenges. We invest in fundamental research into life, health, and wellbeing, focusing on three international health challenges: mental health, infectious diseases, and climate impacts on health.

About Nature

Nature is a leading international scientific journal that publishes high-quality peer-reviewed research across various disciplines. As part of Springer Nature, the journal is widely recognized for its contributions to scientific knowledge advancement, providing a platform for significant discoveries that shape global understanding of science and health. Springer Nature is one of the world's leading research publishers, publishing a vast number of academic journals and books while pioneering the open research movement. Through our esteemed brands, trusted for over 180 years, we offer products, platforms, and services that empower researchers to generate new ideas and share their findings, help health professionals stay ahead in medical science, and support educators in enhancing learning.