Today is World Mental Health Day, the perfect day to launch our 'In Conversation' series, where we will be getting to know more about the people who make the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry's research happen. For our very first 'In Conversation', meet one of our newest members, Dr Joanne Kenny, who recently joined the Hub as a Research Fellow specialising in machine learning and data science.
Dr Joanne Kenney is a Research Fellow at the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh. Find her on Twitter/X @drjoannekenney.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Dr Joanne Kenney and I am a Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh, specializing in the application of machine learning and data science at the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry. Originally from Galway on the west coast of Ireland, I earned my PhD in Medicine from the University of Galway, where I researched cognitive impairments in individuals with psychosis using magnetic resonance imaging. I am passionate about leveraging science and technology to improve the lives of those affected by severe mental illness. I am thrilled to work with Professor Saturnino Luz in coordinating analytics and data management across the Hub, while also fostering connections with other Hubs within the UK-wide Mental Health Platform.
Why is this area of research important?
The Hub, directed by Prof. Daniel Smith, seeks to transform UK research and clinical innovation in Metabolic Psychiatry by establishing an interdisciplinary research centre that explores the intersection of metabolism and severe mental illness. Metabolic Psychiatry is a rapidly emerging field focused on investigating the connections between metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, and severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Despite its potential, this area has been significantly under-researched. By deepening our understanding of the intricate relationship between physical and mental health, we can gain insights into the development of mental illnesses, identify individuals at greater risk, and implement early and effective intervention.
What have you found the most interesting aspect of your work?
I am particularly enthusiastic about the shift towards precision or personalised psychiatry. The traditional “one size fits all” approach is often inadequate in addressing the complexities of mental health and mental illness. While my previous research concentrated on the studying the brain in the context of mental illness, I am now eager to delve deeper into the science of the brain-body connection and the intricate relationship between physical and mental illness.
What kind of research would you like to see conducted in the future?
In the future, I hope to see a greater emphasis on women’s mental health in psychiatry, with research that explores the intricate interplay of biological and societal factors shaping women’s mental health. By deepening our understanding of these complexities, we can develop more targeted and effective interventions. This requires adopting sex- and gender-informed approaches to ensure care is personalised and fully responsive to the unique mental health challenges women face.
What is one thing you wish were different in your field?
Although significant strides have been made in recent years to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, much work remains to eliminate this stigma entirely. In the future, I envision a greater emphasis on achieving parity between physical and mental health in both medicine and society, ensuring that mental health receives the same recognition and support as physical health. The research at the Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry can contribute to this important goal.
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