GAMIAN-Europe proudly took part in the 38th ECNP Congress, held in Amsterdam from October 12th to 14th. The organisation hosted an information stand and joined key discussions about the future of mental health research and patient inclusion across Europe.
GAMIAN-Europe was represented by President Péter Kéri, Executive Director Nigel Olisa, EU Research Manager Erik van der Eyken, and Community Engagement and Project Officer Elysie Nguyen. We showcased the organisation’s ongoing projects and reinforced its commitment to keep patient perspectives and lived experience at the centre of mental health research, policy, and practice.
Patient-Led Priorities in Scientific Research
During the ECNP Patient Session, titled “Patient-led priorities: how lived experience is shaping scientific validity, not just social equity,” and organised with GAMIAN-Europe, Péter Kéri joined a panel of international experts. The speakers included Mara Parellada (Spain), Julian Beezhold (France), Kim Mathiasen (Denmark), and Tamara Werner-Kiechle (Germany).
The discussion explored how lived experience strengthens both the credibility and the human relevance of mental health research. Kéri said that “the inclusion of lived experience is no longer optional, it is essential for scientific validity and meaningful innovation.”
In recent years, patient involvement in research has evolved from a supportive role to one of genuine partnership. Across Europe, people with lived experience are co-creating research priorities, helping design studies, and guiding ethical frameworks. This shift is not only improving the quality and impact of research—it is fundamentally changing the future of mental health science. By ensuring that innovation responds to real-world needs, patient participation is accelerating more effective, compassionate, and person-centred solutions.
The panel further examined how patients now co-design trials, influence pharmaceutical strategies, and shape outcomes that reflect lived experience. As a result, collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience is becoming stronger, more dynamic, and transformative for the field.
Mental Health Research in Transition
In the Plenary Panel Discussion, “Mental health research in transition,” Kéri spoke alongside Barbara Franke (Netherlands), Celso Arango (Spain), Suzanne L. Dickson (Sweden), Gerard R. Dawson (UK), and Iracema Leroi (Ireland).
This high-level session brought together clinicians, researchers, industry representatives, and funders to discuss how mental health research must evolve to become more interdisciplinary and socially relevant. Kéri stressed that involving patients early in the research process helps ensure better outcomes. Therefore, scientific progress can more effectively lead to improved treatments, recovery pathways, and quality of life for patients.
Strong Presence and Meaningful Engagement
Throughout the Congress, the GAMIAN-Europe stand served as a hub for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange. Researchers, clinicians, and policy leaders visited to learn more about the organisation’s projects, advocacy work, and ongoing efforts to strengthen patient voices in European mental health research.
Many visitors admitted they were not previously aware of GAMIAN-Europe’s initiatives and expressed strong interest in learning more, acknowledging that the organisation’s work fills an essential gap in connecting science with the lived experiences of patients. Importantly, this was the first time GAMIAN-Europe engaged in such depth with a broad range of stakeholders, from clinicians and researchers to industry representatives, funders, and policymakers, all in one setting. These exchanges opened new opportunities for collaboration and reaffirmed the shared recognition that true progress in mental health depends on meaningful cooperation across all sectors.
During the event, the team also met with key partners, including European Psychiatric Association (EPA), European Brain Council (EBC), EUFAMI, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP), strengthening existing relationships and identifying areas for future joint work.
GAMIAN-Europe’s presence underscored that the patient perspective is not an addition to research; it is its foundation. By bringing lived experience directly into scientific dialogue, the organisation helped bridge gaps between sectors that have historically worked in parallel rather than in partnership. As patient involvement continues to reshape the research landscape, it is paving the way for a future where science is not only rigorous, but also deeply human, reflecting the realities, needs, and hopes of those it serves. At the end of the day, patients remain at the heart of all mental health efforts: research, innovation, and care exist for their benefit.
For more information on GAMIAN-Europe’s ongoing projects and initiatives, please follow its social media LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube.
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