"Our predecessors established the DZPG with remarkable foresight," remarks Peter Falkai. "We are committed to continuing on this successful trajectory — with a sharpened focus on systematic monitoring, proactive prevention, and measurable societal impact. Our aim is for DZPG research to yield tangible benefits — advancing science, improving society, and enhancing healthcare provision. To achieve this, we require a robust scientific framework that enables comprehensive, regular assessments of mental health, allowing for the early detection of crises and the strategic planning and evaluation of effective interventions," Falkai emphasizes.
To this end, key initiatives such as the German Health Barometer at the Bochum-Marburg partner site and the DigiHero project at the Halle-Jena-Magdeburg partner site have already been launched. Both provide critical insights into stressors, protective factors, and living conditions across diverse population groups — laying the groundwork for targeted preventive measures.
Research that delivers impact
Silvia Schneider highlights another cornerstone of the DZPG's mission: "A central focus of our work is translation — ensuring that scientific discoveries are seamlessly transferred into practical application, and that real-world experiences inform our research. To truly achieve this, it is essential to systematically incorporate the perspectives of those affected and their families. Strengthening this bridge between research and lived experience will remain a key priority for us."
Special attention will also be devoted to the mental health of children and adolescents. "It is during these formative years that the foundations for lifelong mental wellbeing are laid," Schneider notes. "We must shift from a narrow disease-centered perspective to a broader health-centered approach. Our vision is 'Mental Health in All Policies' — integrating mental health considerations across every domain of policy, from education and employment to urban development."
A model for interdisciplinary collaboration
Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg underscores the strong foundations that have been laid: "We have succeeded in establishing a cohesive platform across six partner sites and nearly 30 institutions — built on mutual understanding and a collaborative spirit that transcends disciplinary boundaries. Psychologists, medical doctors, basic researchers — and, crucially, individuals with lived experience and their families — work side-by-side within DZPG’s trialogical structures. This has fostered a level of scientific excellence and visibility that resonates far beyond our immediate network."
Andreas Heinz emphasizes the importance of building shared research infrastructures to ensure that future studies are comparable across sites. "Equally critical," Heinz stresses, "is the active involvement of those affected and their families in every phase of the research process — from the design of studies to the analysis and interpretation of findings. In this spirit, the DZPG has already conducted the first nationwide consultation involving people with lived experience of mental health conditions, aiming to identify priority research topics and gaps in the current scientific landscape."
"Our collaboration within the DZPG has been constructive, dynamic, and widely recognized as a model of success," Meyer-Lindenberg concludes. "The forthcoming expansion phase, accompanied by increased funding and long-term planning security, is a testament to the trust placed in our work. We are confident that the new leadership will carry this momentum forward with vision and determination."
