Robert McCutcheon

My research focuses on trying to develop better ways of helping people with psychotic disorders like schizophrenia.  All current drug treatments work the same way, and while these can help with certain aspects of the disorder, they are ineffective for the cognitive aspects (e.g. problems with memory, planning, and attention) that account for much of the disability associated with the illness.

I undertake studies testing new treatments in both humans and animal models of the illness with the aim of improving cognitive symptoms. In these studies I use techniques such as positron emission tomography and functional MRI  to better understand the mechanisms underlying both symptoms and effects of treatment. 

I undertook a Chemistry BSc before studying medicine. I then undertook NIHR academic foundation training and clinical fellowship, before completing a Wellcome Clinical PhD fellowship and NIHR academic clinical lectureship during my psychiatric training. My work is now funded by a Wellcome Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship. In addition to colleagues at Oxford I also collaborate closely with researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London.