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Meet the expert: Dr Nafiso Ahmed
What attracted you to the area of mental health research?
Whilst working within the NHS supporting people living with severe mental illness, I became increasingly drawn to research. My motivation stemmed from a desire to help improve the treatment and experiences of those using mental health services.
To enhance my research skills, I pursued an MSc in Research Methods in Psychology, which helped me transition into a career in academia. I began my journey as a research assistant on a large study investigating recovery-focused care planning and coordination in mental health services (Simpson et al., 2016).
The study found that while service users reported involvement in the care planning process, many expressed a lack of involvement in the assessment and management of risk. This finding prompted the need for further research, and thus became the focus of my PhD in Mental Health. I explored ‘Shared Decision-Making in Risk Assessment and Management with People Living with Severe Mental Illness’.
Can you tell us about your current research?
I recently received the Wellcome Accelerator Award, a career development award designed to support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage in the UK. Being awarded this funding will allow me to further my PhD research by investigating carers' experiences of the assessment and management of risk, and to also identify existing interventions in the literature.
By the end of my current research, I hope to have laid some groundwork on my topic and progressed to the intervention development stage. My goal is to prepare a fellowship application for a comprehensive research initiative focused on designing and testing a complex intervention to enhance shared decision-making in risk assessment and management for individuals living with mental illness.
What aspect of your work most excites you and why?
I am most excited by the opportunity to collaborate and learn from others—whether that’s working with those who share my interest in mental health service research, experts in specific topics or methodologies, or individuals with lived experience of mental health services. I deeply value the chance to expand my knowledge and skillset through these interactions.
I am particularly passionate about working alongside people with lived experience, as their insights are invaluable in shaping meaningful research. Collaborating with individuals from diverse backgrounds enriches my perspective and continuously inspires me.
Additionally, I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with junior researchers and students, helping them to reach the next stage in their careers. One of the things I love most about academia is the continuous transfer of knowledge and support—learning from others while also mentoring and uplifting the next generation.
What would you say to someone who is considering whether to study mental health at UCL?
Go for it! UCL is a world-renowned university with exceptional teaching staff, including leading academics, clinicians and individuals with lived experience of mental health.
I’ve had the pleasure of teaching on the MSc in Clinical Mental Health Sciences course, and I’m always impressed by how well-structured the program is and how much students learn and grow throughout their studies. The course provides a strong foundation in mental health research and practice, opening doors to incredible opportunities. Many graduates go on to pursue Clinical Psychology Doctorates, PhDs, or exciting roles as research assistants within our division.
If you’re passionate about mental health, UCL is an inspiring place to study, learn, and build your future.
What’s the best advice you would give your younger self?
Try your best, put in the effort, and trust that you can do it. If you ever struggle with imposter syndrome, keep going anyway. Not everyone starts from the same place or carries the same load, and that’s okay. Growth happens at different paces, and there’s always time to learn, improve, and catch up.
A mentor once told me, “Do it afraid!”—fear and discomfort often come with growth. So stay curious, keep learning and remember to enjoy the ride!