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UCL researcher appointed as new Chief Executive of Anna Freud

6 September 2024

Professor Eamon McCrory of the UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences has been announced as the new Chief Executive of mental health charity for children and young people, Anna Freud.

Professor Eamon McCrory

Professor McCrory will succeed UCL Professor Peter Fonagy CBE, who is stepping down after completing more than two decades in the role, alongside his position as Head of the UCL Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, which he is retaining.

Professor McCrory has held numerous senior positions at Anna Freud since joining in 2006. Most recently he served as Co-Director of the Clinical, and Education and Training divisions and Co-Director of the UK Trauma Council, an Anna Freud initiative.

Professor McCrory will also continue his role as Professor of Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology at UCL.

Professor McCrory’s research focuses on the impact of childhood trauma on emotional development and mental health, where he uses both brain imaging and psychological approaches.

In particular, his work has concentrated on understanding the brain’s role in the development of mental health problems following trauma and adversity, along with the significance of the child’s social world.

The charity hope that Professor McCrory’s efforts to drive forward innovation, mental health prevention and improve access to the latest scientific and clinical insights will underpin his vision for Anna Freud.

Professor McCrory said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of CEO at Anna Freud, succeeding my colleague Professor Fonagy. Peter’s unmatched expertise in science, practice and clinical implementation makes him utterly unique in our field.

“On behalf of everyone at Anna Freud, I would like to thank him for his many dedicated years leading the charity and for everything he has done for children and young people, helping them build happier and mentally healthier lives.

“With these solid foundations, Anna Freud will continue to leverage the latest advances in science and clinical practice to improve the mental health and wellbeing of the next generation. I also plan to expand our reach and impact, empowering many thousands more with the skills and knowledge they need to support children, young people and families.

“Addressing the mental health of children and young people, and making a step change in prevention, are now urgent societal priorities, highlighted in our recent Thinking differently manifesto. By integrating science with the voices of young people, parents and carers, and by working in close collaboration with our partners and the wider sector, I believe that together we can rise to the challenge.”

Professor Fonagy – who was awarded a CBE earlier this year - decided to step down as Anna Freud’s CEO after more than 20 years. One of his key legacies is expanding the scope of Anna Freud, including pioneering many innovative mental health interventions and positioning the charity as a leader in the field.

As a result, the charity now encompasses a wide range of expertise including neuroscience, social care and education, and is conducting some of the UK’s leading randomised trials in child mental health.

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  • Professor Eamon McCrory

Media contact 

Poppy Tombs

E: p.tombs [at] ucl.ac.uk