Joseph Firth

Dr. Joseph Firth is a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow at the University of Manchester's Division of Psychology & Mental Health. He also holds honorary fellowships at Western Sydney University and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. His research focuses on digital technologies and lifestyle interventions to improve mental and physical health in individuals with mental illnesses. He completed his PhD at the University of Manchester (2017) and holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Sheffield (2013).

Key research areas include digital health, physical activity promotion, and the implementation of lifestyle medicine in mental healthcare. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to mental health, education, and public health. Notable achievements include authoring The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on physical health in mental illness and co-authoring WHO's 2020 Physical Activity Guidelines.

• Education: PhD in Psychology, University of Manchester (2017); BSc (1st Hons) in Psychology, University of Sheffield (2013)
• Awards: Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2020–2024), USERN Laureate (2022), Research.com Rising Star (2022)
• Projects: e-PHIT project enhancing physical health in mental healthcare, COH-FIT global study on pandemic impacts, and Lancet Psychiatry Physical Health Commission initiatives

His publications span over 300 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like The Lancet Psychiatry, BMJ, and World Psychiatry. Media engagement includes Sky News and BBC interviews, with research cited in 700+ news outlets. Collaborations span global institutions and WHO advisory roles.