NHS England launches GlobalMinds study on DNA and mental health in England and Wales
WHO: NHS England, Akrivia Health, Cardiff University, and eligible adults with severe mental illnesses.
WHAT: Launch of GlobalMinds, the world’s largest mental health study analysing DNA and medical records.
WHERE: Participating NHS mental health trusts across England and Wales.
WHEN: Recruitment began 14 February 2026.
WHY: To unlock a "new era" of personalised treatments for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar, and severe depression.
Thousands of local residents are being invited to join the GlobalMinds mental illness study, a ground-breaking initiative aimed at transforming diagnosis and treatment through DNA analysis.
The NHS has begun recruiting thousands of volunteers for a "new era" of research into severe mental illness. Known as GlobalMinds, the project is set to become the world’s largest mental health study, combining genetic data with medical records to improve diagnosis and treatment for those living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychosis, and major depression.
Personalised care through the GlobalMinds mental illness study
The three-year study, led by Akrivia Health in partnership with Cardiff University, aims to recruit 49,000 adults across England and Wales. Researchers will analyse volunteers' DNA from saliva or blood samples alongside detailed questionnaires. This data will be linked with NHS medical records to create the most detailed dataset ever produced on serious mental health conditions.
Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s National Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity, said: “This major new study could transform our understanding of severe mental illness and lead to the dawn of a new era of personalised treatments for patients with conditions including schizophrenia and severe depression.”
How local residents can participate
The NHS DigiTrials service is currently identifying eligible patients from ten participating mental health trusts. Those over 18 who have been diagnosed with a severe mental health condition may receive an invitation to join. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no data is shared without explicit permission. Volunteers who complete the sampling and questionnaire will receive a voucher of up to £50 as a thank you.
Professor James Walters, Chief Investigator from Cardiff University, explained the significance: “Precision medicine has already revolutionised the treatment of cancer and other rare diseases and we want GlobalMinds to bring the same breakthroughs to mental health.”
Inclusivity and support
The study has been designed to ensure that vulnerable and less included communities are represented. At-home sampling kits and targeted support are available for those who may face barriers to using technology or are more severely ill. The charity Rethink Mental Illness is also supporting the initiative to ensure the voices of those with lived experience remain central to the research.
Future expansion and dementia research
While starting in England and Wales, the study plans to expand internationally. In addition to those with severe mental illness, the research team is recruiting 1,000 people with dementia through care homes and digital healthcare partnerships. This combined effort seeks to address the global mental health crisis by enabling earlier and more precise clinical diagnoses.
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