MPhil/PhD/MD(Res) Addictions Research in London United Kingdom | King's College London

A premier European research institution
Our team ranks among Europe's most prolific addiction research groups. According to Rand Europe's 2013 evaluation of impactful UK university research, our Substance Abuse Research at the National Addiction Centre dominated the field, accounting for 13% of all Highly-Cited Publications from 2002-2011. We're now a key component of King's Health Partners as part of their newly established Addictions Clinical Academic Group (CAG), serving as a fundamental element of the Academic Health Science Centre that unites King's College London with NHS partners including South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College Hospital, and Guy's and St Thomas'. Our Substance Use Disorders research also features prominently in the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN).

Four decades of groundbreaking research
Our work focuses on identifying effective prevention and treatment methods for substance-related issues. The NAC brings together clinicians, researchers, and educators dedicated to advancing prevention and treatment efforts while supporting global initiatives in this field. For 40 years, our research has shaped the UK's treatment framework and spurred the creation of new services addressing alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependencies. Our studies span from testing innovative therapies to exploring the genetic and biological foundations of addictive behaviors.

Collaborative efforts
We maintain strong partnerships with the Addictions Directorate of South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) to enhance knowledge about drug, alcohol, and tobacco addiction while developing effective prevention and treatment solutions. Much of this research involves individuals receiving treatment through SLaM's Addictions Directorate services and receives partial funding from Action on Addiction, the UK's sole independent charity focused exclusively on finding innovative approaches to combat substance abuse.