Susannah Murphy

I have a cross-disciplinary research profile combining expertise in psychology, neuroimaging, psychopharmacology, and neuroscience. My research uses a translational experimental medicine approach to provide an early assessment of novel treatment approaches in humans.  By developing and using proximal intermediate outcomes, such as the early effect of a treatment on key cognitive processes, it is possible to characterise the likely mechanisms of a novel treatment target and predict later treatment efficacy.  This approach is particularly important in psychiatric treatment development, since current animal models have low predictive validity and experimental medicine models can therefore provide critical evidence to translate preclinical findings and support decision making about future drug development.

I have active programs of work, funded by the Medical Research Council, characterising the neuropsychological effects of a number of novel antidepressant targets (including ketamine and the 5-HT₄ receptor). I also work with a number of pharmaceutical companies who recognise the value of deploying this experimental medicine approach in the drug development process. 

Alongside my research, I play a leading role in academic administration, teaching, and student support. I am currently the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Psychiatry, responsible for the leadership and administration of graduate education, including admissions, progression, examinations, and welfare support for a diverse student body. I chair the Graduate Studies Committee and work closely with colleagues across the University to ensure high standards of student experience and academic governance.

I have extensive experience of teaching and supervision at undergraduate and graduate level. As a Supernumerary Teaching Fellow at St John’s College (2008–2014) I tutored Psychology and Biomedical Sciences students and participated in undergraduate admissions. I have supervised 14 doctoral students and over 20 MSc students. I am committed to student wellbeing and culture change, having established and chaired the Department’s Mental Wellbeing Working Group and previously led our Athena SWAN process to a successful Silver Award.

I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of St Andrews in 2004. I then came to Oxford to complete an MSc and DPhil in Neuroscience, funded by a four-year Wellcome Trust Studentship. My DPhil (2008), supervised by Catherine Harmer, used behavioural and fMRI studies to show that antidepressants have early, measurable effects on emotional cognition. I was awarded the title of University Research Lecturer in 2018 and Associate Professor in 2022.