Professor Simon Charles Wessely stands as a preeminent figure in psychiatric medicine whose career has fundamentally reshaped the understanding of mental and physical health interconnections. He currently holds the distinguished position of Regius Professor of Psychiatry at King's College London, representing the first Regius Chair of Psychiatry in the United Kingdom and the inaugural Regius Chair appointment at King's College London. His academic journey began with pre-clinical studies at Trinity Hall Cambridge, where he earned a BA in History of Art, followed by medical training at University College Oxford, and psychiatry specialization at the Maudsley Hospital commencing in 1984. After joining King's College School of Medicine in 1991, he established himself as a leading authority through his innovative clinical and research programs at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience.
Wessely pioneered groundbreaking research into unexplained symptoms and syndromes, most notably establishing the first NHS clinical service and academic research unit dedicated to chronic fatigue syndrome in the United Kingdom. His interdisciplinary research program has produced over 600 publications spanning biochemistry, epidemiology, immunology, neuroimaging, psychology, and sociology, fundamentally transforming the medical community's understanding of complex mind-body relationships. He founded the King's Centre for Military Health Research in 1996, creating an essential resource for studying psychological impacts of military service, and directed the PHE NIHR Health Protection Unit for Emergency Response during critical periods including the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership in the 2017-2019 Independent Review of the Mental Health Act directly informed significant legislative reforms that took effect in 2025.
As a former President of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal Society of Medicine—the first psychiatrist to hold the latter position in 200 years—Wessely has profoundly shaped psychiatric practice and policy across the United Kingdom. His commitment to advancing psychiatric education is evident through his role as Vice Dean for Academic Psychiatry and his dedication to ensuring the Maudsley rotation remains Europe's premier postgraduate training scheme. Knighted in 2013 for services to psychological medicine and military health, and later honored with the Knights Grand Cross in the 2025 Birthday Honours, his influence extends globally through military health research and emergency preparedness initiatives. Currently serving on the board of NHS England since 2023, he continues to bridge clinical practice, academic research, and health policy to address contemporary mental health challenges with exceptional vision and leadership.
