In addition to presentations from the various sites, the meeting focused on numerous networking and infrastructure sessions. These formats provided essential input for future DZPG research projects – from the development of central research resources and data management strategies to clinical and psychotherapeutic care.
The scientific program highlighted the breadth of DZPG research. Topics ranged from early interventions in childhood to socially relevant influences such as social media, as well as clinical issues including eating disorders.
Particularly impressive was the keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. David Clark (University of Oxford), titled “Realising the Mass Public Benefit of Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies.” Using the example of the UK IAPT program, he demonstrated how evidence-based therapies help hundreds of thousands of people each year, mitigate social inequalities, and generate economic benefits. Key factors for success include the systematic collection and publication of treatment outcomes, as well as the use of digital therapies. Complementary job coaching further improves recovery rates. Clark emphasized that every euro invested saves the healthcare system many times that amount in downstream costs. His conclusion: when science, policy, and economics work together, therapies can achieve measurable societal and economic gains – a significant insight for the health policy debate in Germany.
Workshop discussions rounded off the program, fostering open exchanges on topics ranging from methodological questions to societal aspects and emerging technologies. Many ideas for future collaborations and joint grant applications emerged from these sessions.
Beyond scientific engagement, the annual meeting also offered opportunities for personal encounters – whether during a city tour or at the closing party in the Bermuda3eck district.
The full program is available here.
The DZPG annual meeting 2025 demonstrated one key fact: the DZPG is growing together. Close networking across sites and disciplines forms the foundation for advancing mental health in research, care, and society – both in Bochum and across Germany.
The next DZPG annual meeting will take place in 2026 in Munich.
Link to the photo gallery of the 2025 annual meeting
