Mental Health Network’s Annual Scientific Meeting set for Edinburgh — register now and submit abstracts
The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Mental Health Network is hosting its Annual Scientific Meeting in the capital this autumn, with a strong line-up of speakers and poster abstracts now invited
Taking place at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh on Thursday 22 October, the free to attend event will be themed 'Identifying mechanisms of change to improve mental health outcomes’.
The Network is welcoming all who are interested and involved with mental health research across Scotland to attend the in-person event which provides an opportunity for the community to come together, facilitate knowledge exchange, and make fresh connections.
Among leading speakers will be Dr Katherine Beck of King's College London, Joint Chief Investigator for the PUMA trial — recently approved for funding — which aims to improve patient outcomes in early psychosis by dramatically accelerating the delivery of clinical trials and transforming treatments in this area.
The ultimate goal is to establish PUMA as the leading national platform for the delivery of early psychosis trials. Katherine’s talk will be entitled ‘PUMA: A Platform Trial to Accelerate Treatment Development in Early Psychosis’.
Chief Scientist Office (CSO) Fellow Dr Stephanie Allan of the University of Glasgow will be presenting her work on co-designing support for people who experience fear of relapse following an episode of psychosis. Funded by a CSO Post-Doctoral Fellowship and underpinned by a lived experience advisory group, her talk will outline work conducted in developing psychological support for these people.
Wellcome Trust-funded Research Fellow Dr Katie Marwick, based at the University of Edinburgh — an academic psychiatrist specialising in reproductive psychiatry across the life course — will be discussing her involvement in research which is investigating links between the menopause and severe mental illness.
Recipients of the Network’s Travelling Fellowship, which helps mental health researchers in Scotland advance their skills by attending key UK and international events, will also be reflecting on their experiences.
Further speakers include:
- Dr Amy Hardy, King's College London
- Prof John Marsden, King's College London
- Prof Alessandro Vinciarelli, University of Glasgow
- Dr Fiona Cowden, NHS Tayside
Dr Donald MacIntyre, Network Director of NRS Mental Health said: “We are pleased to launch our annual meeting with a varied and insightful programme on offer for those attending the historic Royal College of Physicians.
“It is a timely gathering with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) recently reporting that poor mental health is increasing at a higher rate than any other health condition, making it a clear priority area requiring national attention.
“Against that backdrop, the event will be a chance to discuss the latest mental health research and breakthroughs, and we’d urge early registration to ensure your place with the full programme available in due course.
“We are now accepting poster abstracts, with prizes awarded for the best posters, and have free exhibitor spaces available too, so please do also take advantage of those opportunities.
“While it is an in-person only gathering, the talks will be recorded and made available afterwards, so all have an opportunity to share in the day’s learnings.”
Attendees will enjoy a complimentary lunch and refreshments.
To book a free exhibitor stand, please complete the registration form.
If you would like to submit a poster abstract, please complete the submission form by the closing date of Friday 2 October. The Network is unable to accept submissions after that date.
Any questions should be directed to Lisa Martin.
Publication date: 3rd September 2026
