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Professor Hawton joined the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford many years ago and became Professor of Psychiatry in 1996. His work on suicide and self-harm continues to lead the field with new guidance, studies, and publications.

Keith Hawton

Professor Hawton, Director of the Centre for Suicide Prevention, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford and Consultant Psychiatrist, has been awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2020 for services to Suicide Prevention.

I am delighted that my work has been recognised in this way. I’d like to thank the many members of my research team who over the years have worked so hard to generate our contributions in the field of suicide and self-harm. Having been involved with the Department for most of my working life I’d also like to thank the many colleagues who have been mentors, advisers and good friends during this time. Particular thanks go to the support staff who have made things work. I hope that Oxford psychiatry will long remain at the forefront of efforts to prevent suicide and self-harm and to help those who are feeling suicidal in the face of adversity. 

Professor John Geddes, Head of Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford.

 

Keith has provided amazing international leadership in suicide research for over 40 years – and his CBE is incredibly well deserved. 

 

Important work in the research of Suicide and Self-harm

  • Professor Hawton's work in the 1990s led to changes in UK legislation to restrict pack sizes of paracetamol resulting in over a 30% reduction in the number of deaths from paracetamol poisoning.

 

To read more about the Centre for Suicide Prevention in Oxford.

To read more about Professor Hawton's role at the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.