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Global Chair Professor Maree Teesson (University of Sydney)

Professor Maree Teesson, internationally renowned for work in mental health and substance use, is hosted by the Department of Psychology.

Professor Maree Teesson is standing outside with her arms folded wearing a black suit
University of Bath Global Chair Professor Maree Teesson

Distinguished Professor, Maree Teesson, is Professor and Centre Director in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney, where she founded The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use in 2018. The Centre is a globally recognised hub dedicated to improving outcomes for people affected by co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, bringing together researchers, clinicians, people with lived experience and community partners to develop and evaluate innovative prevention and treatment approaches.

Professor Maree Teesson has led pioneering research into treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders. Her novel integrated treatment approach, first published in JAMA and released as an international treatment manual by Oxford University Press in 2024, is now used as a first-line treatment in the United States. She has also developed innovative interventions for young people, including digital health programmes such as OurFutures and Positive Choices, which provide evidence-based mental health and drug education resources to school communities.

Chair of Australia's Mental Health Think Tank and a member of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences Council, Professor Maree Teesson is also a former National Mental Health Commissioner (2018-2021). She is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences and Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales.

Professor Teesson’s expertise aligns closely with the University of Bath’s strengths in mental health research. Through this Global Chair appointment, she will bring internationally recognised expertise in youth mental health, substance use, and digital prevention, helping to strengthen research collaborations, enhance the visibility and impact of Bath’s research portfolio, and support the development of future funding opportunities in mental health, prevention science, and health systems innovation.

Professor Teesson will be hosted by Lecturer in Health Psychology, Dr Lindsey Hines, Professor of Clinical Psychology, Professor Maria Loades, Senior Lecturer, Dr Jeffrey Lambert and Research Associate, Dr Chloe Burke.

Speaking on Professor Teesson’s appointment as Global Chair, Dr Hines said:

We are delighted and honoured to be hosting Professor Maree Teesson. Professor Teesson is a world-leader in improving adolescent mental health and preventing harmful substance use at this critical developmental period. Hosting Prof Teesson in Psychology is a fantastic opportunity for expanding international collaborations and learning for several new research entities; our newly established NIHR-funded Mental Health Research Group (MHRG), Centre for Drug Use Research (CDUR) and Bath Centre for Youth Mental Health Research (CYMBA). As well as hearing first-hand from Prof Teesson about her cutting-edge research, we hope that new grants, networks and policy influence will flourish through this Global Chair post.

Proposed Activities at Bath:

  • Mentoring of Early Career Researchers
  • Deliver a masterclass on co-production in youth mental health research
  • Public lecture on youth mental health, substance use comorbidity and digital prevention approaches
  • Co-lead a national roundtable on youth mental health and substance use
  • Contribute to the Psychology PPIE Community of Practice
  • Deliver lectures to undergraduate and postgraduate students on youth mental health, substance use, and digital health interventions.

Department of Psychology

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