In the official press release, Federal Minister for Research Dorothee Bär emphasized the social importance of this investment: “Mental illnesses are among the most burdensome and widespread public health challenges. The need for research in this area remains immense. With the establishment of the German Center for Mental Health, we are uniting research expertise from diverse disciplines across the country. The expansion phase marks a decisive step toward establishing the DZPG as a premier national hub for mental health research. People must benefit from research outcomes as swiftly as possible — in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment alike.”
Professor Silvia Schneider, DZPG spokesperson, emphasized: “Promoting mental health necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. We are committed to advancing research at both the national and international levels, while also working to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness.”
Prof. Peter Falkai, also a spokesperson for the DZPG, adds: “The BMFTR has been committed to mental health research for many years. The continued support from the federal government sends a clear signal about the urgency with which we must tackle the challenges in this complex field.”