4 October 2023

Ahead of Prof Gráinne McAlonan’s [pictured] presentation at this KHP Annual Conference 2023, the Interim Director of the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) shared her personal reflections on the transformational work that she is a part of.

What is your role within King’s Health Partners? 

I have several roles within KHP which really reflect the fact that KHP spans university and NHS Trusts. I am the Interim Director of the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC). The BRC brings together scientists, clinicians, allied health professionals, service users and carers from across South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London. We aim to translate the latest scientific discoveries into clinical benefit for people with mental health and neurological conditions.

I am Professor of Translational Neuroscience at King’s College London. My research bridges brain development from fetal timepoints through to adulthood. This work is informed by the people I meet in my clinic in the National Autism and ADHD Service for Adults at South London and Maudsley, where I also lead clinical research. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?

Lots – including the variety and thinking about what a neuroscientific result might mean practically in the clinic. Most of all I enjoy working with and for a whole range of people, from the brilliant students and early career researchers I interact with, our professional services staff who support me every day, the clinical teams I work with, and especially the mix of patients and their families who talk to me in clinic. It can get busy but is never dull.

What inspired you to get into this work? 

It has been an evolution. I studied Medicine, this led to a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience. I’ve worked in various clinical and research posts both in the UK and in Hong Kong. I have tended to get caught up in lots of research areas, but this is because the brain is endlessly complex. I think I have now found a place where I can take an overview and help maximize opportunities for different research disciplines and clinical efforts to interconnect productively. 

What are the benefits of working in partnership?

There are huge benefits. I learn something new from someone every day. I hope the ultimate benefit is for our King’s Health Partners patients and community across South East London and further afield. 

What would be your one career top tip? 

Don’t cling too hard to a plan, life brings up the unexpected.

The King’s Health Partners Annual Conference will take place virtually on 12 October. At this event speakers will share how the partnership is working to drive advancements in research, healthcare, education, and technology. To watch the event and check out Prof Grainne McAlonan’s and her fellow panellists’ talk ‘Together for a Healthy Future’ register here ➝