Collaboration for a healthy psyche: review of the DZPG Annual Meeting 2024

The Annual Meeting kicked off on September 25 with a focus on working groups. Participants gathered at the Charité Campus Mitte to further develop their ongoing projects and infrastructures. Through intensive discussion sessions, ideas were exchanged, challenges addressed, and new solutions explored. The day concluded with a festive get-together at the impressive Berlin Natural History Museum, offering the perfect setting for in-depth conversations and personal networking.

On September 26, the meeting continued in the historic auditorium of Humboldt University in Berlin. Following the official opening remarks, renowned guest speaker Professor Dame Til Wykes from the United Kingdom launched the scientific talks with her keynote presentation, “From Subjects to Participants – involving people with lived experience in research.” She emphasized the importance of involving individuals with mental health conditions in research processes and provided valuable insights into participatory research practices.

The diverse program continued with exciting presentations on current research findings and projects. The Central Trialogical Board presented the Center for Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and the KOMMIT study and discussed how research can contribute to improving mental health care. A particular highlight was the presentations from various DZPG sites, showcasing cutting-edge projects ranging from neuromodulation to personalized early intervention. The accompanying poster exhibition provided young researchers with the opportunity to present their work and receive valuable feedback from experts. The inspiring discussions during breaks and numerous networking opportunities facilitated a lively exchange between researchers from different disciplines and institutions.

The meeting concluded on September 27 with a forward-looking discussion: new research projects and collaboration opportunities were explored, with the shared goal of further strengthening mental health research and improving long-term care for individuals with mental health conditions.

Sincere gratitude goes to all participants whose dedication and engagement ensured the resounding success of this Annual Meeting. The high level of participation and the quality of the discussions once again highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue and close collaboration in the field of mental health. We are already looking forward to the next Annual Meeting in Bochum in 2025 and the future progress we will achieve together.

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