HEATMAP is an international study exploring how heat-related changes in the gut-microbiota-brain axis may contribute to new or relapse of psychosis.

Summary of the project and objectives

HEATMAP aims to understand how hot weather and heatwaves affect the gut, brain and mental health in people with psychosis. The study will explore whether heat-related changes in the gut microbiome may help explain why heat can trigger or worsen psychotic episodes and support the development of better prevention and care strategies in the future.

Why the project is important

People with psychosis can be more vulnerable during periods of high temperature and heatwaves, including increased risk of hospital admission and poorer health outcomes. However, little is currently known about the biological and social mechanisms behind this. HEATMAP will help address this gap by improving understanding of how heat may affect the gut-microbiota-brain axis and mental health.

How we plan to achieve this

The project will collect and analyse information from people with new-onset or relapsing psychosis during different levels of heat stress. This will include weather and microclimate data, dietary information, clinical profiles, gut microbiome measures, stool and blood markers, and brain metabolite data. The team will also explore the experiences of people with psychosis, including how heat affects their mental health and what support or interventions may be acceptable.

Funding source

HEATMAP is funded by Wellcome Trust through its Climate and Mental Health Award: Uncovering mechanisms between heat and mental health (Grant reference 321312/Z/24/Z).

For further funder information, please visit the Wellcome Trust funded grants pages.

Who is supporting the project

HEATMAP is led by the University of Nottingham in partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, India. The project brings together expertise in psychosis, gastroenterology, earth systems science, computational biology, neuroimaging and patient and public involvement.

Further information online

Wellcome Research | HEATMAP

HEATMAP Study website

Contact us:

We are currently accepting participants for HEATMAP. We are recruiting a variation of different participants, including people experiencing a new episode or relapse of psychosis, those with lived experience of psychosis and healthy volunteers. If you are interested in taking part in the study, please express your interest here:

HEATMAP Study: Participant expression of interest form – Fill out form

If you would like to learn more about the study, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.