How can scientific evidence better inform mental health policy and practice? How can knowledge generated by European research projects contribute to real-world decision-making?
These questions will be at the centre of the 8th edition of the Mental Health Dialogues webinar series, hosted by the BootStRaP project on 28 October 2026. The webinar will bring together experts from seven Horizon Europe projects to discuss how research findings can inform policy and practice, and what can help strengthen the link between research and decision-making.
“Research can only make a difference when its findings reach the people making decisions about health and care. That is not always straightforward, particularly when mental health challenges are complex and evidence comes from different disciplines, countries and settings.
Mental Health Dialogues provides an opportunity to bring these perspectives together and discuss how research can better inform policy and practice. I look forward to this conversation and to hearing the insights our speakers will share,” says Jose M. Menchón, moderator of the webinar, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Barcelona and Head of Research Group at CIBERSAM.
28 October 2026 | 11:00–12:30 CET | Online | Register for the webinar
Bringing Horizon Europe Projects Together
Mental Health Dialogues is an international initiative that brings together European mental health research projects, researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, experience and perspectives.
This edition will feature contributions from representatives of ADVANCE, ASPbelong, SMILE, MENTBEST, RECONNECTED, IMPROVA and BootStRaP. While the projects address different aspects of mental health, they share a common interest in understanding complex challenges and generating knowledge that can contribute to better policies, services and outcomes across Europe.
Participants will discuss project findings, lessons learned and examples of how research can inform policy and practice, while also exploring opportunities for future collaboration.
About the Webinar. The webinar, entitled “Translating Networked Science into Evidence-Based Healthcare Policy”, will examine how research findings can move beyond individual studies and projects to contribute to health systems, policymaking and public health action. The discussion will bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers to reflect on how scientific evidence can be translated into knowledge that supports better decisions for mental health across Europe.
Speakers
- Liuska Sanna (ADVANCE)
- Vítor Alexandre Coelho (ASPbelong)
- Helen Stocks (SMILE)
- Gentiana Qirjako (MENTBEST)
- Arlinda Cerga Pashoja (RECONNECTED)
- Gonneke Stevens (IMPROVA)
- Andres Roman-Urrestarazu (BootStRaP)
The discussion will be moderated by Professor Jose M. Menchón.
Join the 8th Mental Health Dialogues WebinarDate: 28 October 2026
Time: 11:00–12:30 CET
Format: Online (Zoom) Register for the webinarResearchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, public health specialists, students and everyone interested in evidence-based mental health policy are invited to join the discussion.
BootStRaP comm team information
