Known to many as ‘the father of child psychiatry’, Professor Sir Michael Rutter paved the way for developmental psychologists and psychiatrists around the world. His life-changing work, numerous scientific breakthroughs and clinical expertise have laid the foundations of child psychiatry and developmental psychopathology as we know it today.

Sir Michael was the recipient of numerous awards, including 21 honorary doctorates. He held the first UK Professorship in Child Psychiatry in 1973 and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1984, joining the most prestigious scientists in the UK and Commonwealth. Sir Michael was a founding fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences, and received a knighthood in the 1992 New Year's Honours. In 2020, Sir Michael was awarded the Pardes Humanitarian Prize in Mental Health for ‘expanding our understanding of mental health in children’, a prestigious award which recognises those who have made a profound and lasting impact in improving the lives of people with mental illness.

Throughout his extraordinary career Sir Michael published upwards of 400 empirical articles and 40 books. He tirelessly advocated for the health and wellbeing of young people and transformed our understanding of child development, touching the lives of many through his clinical work and research.

His very long association with YoungMinds, including serving as its President, was a continuation of his commitment to young people's mental health.  By making a donation today you will help YoungMinds continue his work.

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