Raghu Raghavan

Raghu Raghavan is Professor of Mental Health at De Montfort University, Leicester, affiliated with the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences and the School of Nursing and Midwifery. He directs the Social Sciences Research and Innovation Institute (SSRII), fostering interdisciplinary research in social sciences. His work bridges academia and community action, with a focus on global mental health, resilience, and cultural inclusivity.

• PhD, Oxford Brookes University
• Post Graduate Certificate in Higher and Adult Education, University of Wolverhampton
• M.Sc. in Medical Psychology, University of Surrey
• BA in Psychology, University of Kerala, India
• Registered Nurse (Learning Disabilities), East Surrey School of Nursing

Raghu Raghavan's research centers on mental health literacy, resilience, and wellbeing across diverse cultural contexts, particularly in the UK and India. He specializes in transcultural mental health, migration, intellectual disabilities, and health disparities. His innovative use of participatory and creative methodologies—such as community theatre, digital storytelling, and photovoice—empowers marginalized communities to co-create knowledge. His work emphasizes strength-based models and inclusive research, aiming to reduce stigma and improve service access for ethnic minorities.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in global mental health, with a focus on culturally grounded interventions in low- and middle-income settings. Key themes include mental health literacy in Kerala, resilience among internal migrants, faith-based coping in Muslim communities, and participatory approaches to reduce coercion in mental health services. His use of interdisciplinary and arts-based methods highlights a commitment to accessible, community-driven research.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Social Psychiatry
• Lead, De Montfort University – India Research Hub

Raghu Raghavan has secured significant funding from UKRI, NIHR, ESRC, AHRC, GCRF, and other bodies, including major grants for projects on dementia diagnosis in BAME communities, mental health literacy in India, and resilience in migrant populations. He actively supervises PhD students on topics including mental health literacy, migration, disabilities, and health inequalities. His collaborative network spans institutions in India, Zimbabwe, and Europe, and he has advised NGOs such as MeHeLP India Foundation and Public Health Resource Network.

He leads and contributes to multiple research initiatives involving creative and participatory methods, including the MeHeLP India project, which uses applied theatre to promote mental health literacy. His work with internal migrant communities in Pune and engagement with UK Parliament committees underscore the real-world impact of his research.