Neurodevelopmental diversity and links to mental health
with The University of Cambridge
The optimal way to characterise diversity within and across neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the links to later mental health is still a matter of considerable debate. These conditions are diverse, and two individuals with the same diagnosis have vastly different support needs.
Over the last decade, the numbers of individuals who have been diagnosed with these conditions have increased. Furthermore, over 70% of individuals with autism or ADHD have a co-occurring mental health condition, and self-harm and death by suicide are sadly, far too common in this group. In England, autistic people are one of seven priority groups included in the new Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) Suicide Prevention Strategy 2023-2028. In France, the designation of mental health as the "Great National Cause" in 2025 reflects a growing awareness of its importance and a long-term commitment to improving inclusion for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Understanding both the diversity within neurodevelopmental conditions and the links to mental health is an urgent and important task. High-quality research can build the evidence-base needed to accelerate diagnosis and improve support, ultimately reducing mortality rates in these vulnerable populations.
Why Pasteur and Cambridge?
The Institut Pasteur is an internationally renowned centre of excellence for biomedical research, and has been the leading centre for neurodevelopmental research in Europe. The University of Cambridge is a world-leading university, carrying out pioneering work, particularly in the field of neurodevelopment and mental health, with a broad portfolio of research covering both basic and translational sciences. These two institutions are joining their forces and complementary expertise to address the pressing issue of advancing the evidence base in neurodevelopmental diversity and links to mental health with the ultimate aim of providing better support to improve outcomes for neurodivergent people.
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We have already seen the following promising results: genetic analyses have revealed how specific genetic correlates contribute to the diverse manifestations of autism, enhancing our understanding of its complex etiology. Additionally, research using polygenic scores has illuminated the shared genetic architecture between autism and co-occurring mental health conditions, while investigations into the empathizing-systemizing theory have provided new insights into cognitive styles and moral foundations in autistic individuals.
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This partnership between the Insititut Pasteur and the University of Cambridge has been in place for over a decade and consists of the following exchange:
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High-level scientific exchange: There has been a highly successful and decade-long collaboration between Prof. Thomas Bourgeron, Prof Sir. Simon Baron-Cohen and Dr. Varun Warrier. This collaboration has led to six publications in widely read journals (e.g., Nature Medicine, Nature Genetics), collaborative grant successes (AIMS-2-TRIAL and R2D2 Mental Health), and a shift in our understanding of the etiology of autism and links to mental health.
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Nurturing the next generation of researchers: A critical success of this collaboration is the development of the next generation of researchers. Dr. Varun Warrier and Dr. Andres Roman Urrestarazu were both PhD and postdoctoral researchers trained as a part of this collaboration who now lead their own groups in Cambridge.
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Workshops and Symposia: This collaboration has resulted in several talks and symposia, including at INSAR and R2D2-MH annual symposium.
Dr Varun Warrier
Assistant Professor of Neurodevelopmental Research
University of Cambridge
“Understanding neurodevelopmental diversity is critical to advance the evidence needed to provide meaningful support. In collaboration with Experts by Experience, we aim to make a step-change in our knowledge of neurodevelopmental diversity with the ultimate aim of providing better support to improve outcomes for neurodivergent people.”
Future Opportunities
Both the Institut Pasteur and the University of Cambridge wish to strengthen and intensify ties in Neurodevelopmental Diversity and links to mental health. Following discussions between the Pasteur and Cambridge teams, we are now actively seeking funding to expand this partnership by:
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Establishing a co-Chair in Neurodevelopmental Research: These positions, one based at the University of Cambridge and one at the Institut Pasteur will further bolster this collaboration between the two institutions in Neurodevelopmental Research. At the University of Cambridge, this arrives at an exciting time with the development of the Cambridge Children’s Hospital, the establishment of the Lambton Professorship in Autism Research and the The Dawson Professorship in Young Person’s Mental Health. At the Institut Pasteur, it is also a perfect timing with the launch of the Robert Debré Child Brain Institute that will include health care, education and research at the same place.
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Expanding the neurodevelopmental genetics programme: The highly successful neurodevelopmental genetics programme has been at the heart of the collaboration between these two institutions. There is an opportunity to further expand this collaboration by funding bespoke projects that aims to use genetics as a tool to better understand neurodevelopmental diversity and the causal links to later mental health conditions. Especially, this programme will focus not only on risk factors, but also on resilience factors that can modulate the outcome of each individual (for example same genotypes but in different environmental contexts).
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Expanding the Research Fellowship Programme: Following the success of the previous Research Fellowship between Institute Pasteur and the University of Cambridge, there is an opportunity to renew this Fellowship programme by recruiting talented Early Career Researchers (PhD/Postdoctoral fellows) to lead cutting-edge research working between the groups at the two institutions.
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Scientific symposia: Both institutions are keen to continue collaborating across teams through regular symposia and workshops.
Professor Thomas Bourgeron
Head of Structure, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions
Institut Pasteur
"Understanding the diversity of neurodevelopmental conditions and their connection to mental health is an urgent priority. Through participatory research—including individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions—the Institut Pasteur and Cambridge University are collaborating to advance knowledge from medicine to neurodiversity. This research aims to reduce stigma and drive innovation in diagnosis and support for these vulnerable populations."
Programme Directors
The programme is jointly led by representatives from the Institut Pasteur and the University of Cambridge. These are:
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Professor Thomas Bourgeron Head of Structure, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur
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Professor Sir Simon Baron-Cohen Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
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Dr Varun Warrier Assistant Professor of Neurodevelopmental Research, University of Cambridge
How can you help?
Both the Institut Pasteur and the University of Cambridge are keen to strengthen this partnership and this important research into better understanding the link between mental health and neurodevelopmental diversity.
We are seeking support for the creation of a co-chair position between the University of Cambridge and the Institut Pasteur, expansion of the neurodevelopmental genetics program and renewal of the research fellowship program through the recruitment of a new early-career research fellow dedicated to this project.
If you would like to learn more about how you can support this project, please get in touch at info@pasteurfoundation.uk