Dr Mubarik Igal

MBBS  ·  MSc Global Health

Researcher at Cambridge  ·  Practitioner at Mind

University of Cambridge West London Mind

Background

About me

Formally trained as a medical doctor, I bring over six years of experience working in conflict-affected regions, contributing to the design and implementation of large-scale health and mental health programmes aimed at improving the wellbeing of vulnerable communities.

Building on this experience, I completed an MSc in Global Mental Health with Distinction at City St George's, University of London. I now lead a trauma-informed mental health initiative at Mind, a national mental health charity, and contribute to postgraduate teaching as a Guest Lecturer at City St George's, delivering sessions on trauma-informed mental health care.

I have recently joined the University of Cambridge as a Research Assistant within the Global Primary and Community Care (GPACC) Research Group, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, contributing to both research and global health teaching.


Current work

Active projects

West London Mind · NHS

The Bloom Project

An NHS-funded psychosocial support programme for adult male asylum seekers in hotel-based temporary accommodation across West Ealing and Southall. The project delivers trauma-informed mental health support, psychoeducation, and community-based wellbeing activities.

Mental Health · Forced Migration

University of Cambridge · ELFT

Research Assistant — GPACC Group

Contributing to the Global Primary and Community Care Research Group at the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and East London NHS Foundation Trust applying global health thinking to address local health inequalities.

Global Health · Primary Care

Evidence Synthesis · Active Research Project

mhGAP Implementation in Sub-Saharan Africa

A scoping review examining the implementation of the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme across Sub-Saharan Africa, with 30 included papers currently at data extraction stage. Led by Dr Mubarik Igal, the project brings together a multidisciplinary team of six people spanning researchers and early-career mentees from different countries and professional backgrounds. The review aims to map evidence on barriers, facilitators, and outcomes of mhGAP implementation.

Scoping Review · Implementation Science

City St George's, University of London

Summer Research Programme

A structured research programme for students at City St George's, with a Summer 2026 cohort of 10 students working across two publication-track projects. The longer-term goal is to establish a Community Interest Company (CIC) that provides early-career researchers with structured mentorship and a clear pathway to publication.

Research Training · Capacity Building

Looking ahead

Future aspirations

Global Talent Visa — Exceptional Promise Route

My most immediate priority is securing a Global Talent Visa under the Exceptional Promise route, endorsed by the British Academy in the field of research and academia. I am actively building a strong research portfolio in global health, with the aim of making the application by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Looking to connect
If you are working toward a Global Talent Visa, have navigated the British Academy endorsement process, or have advice to share, I would genuinely love to hear from you. I am always open to connecting with people who are on a similar path so we can work on it together.

Find me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drmubarakigal