GW4 workshop ignites interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle mental health challenges

Members of the GW4 Mental Health Research Network, gathered in Bristol, in late-September 2024, for the inaugural GW4 Mental Health Research Network: Networking and Bid Development Workshop, a pivotal event that brought together mental health researchers from across the universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter.

Hosted by GW4, the two-day workshop, which was attended by around 100 researchers from across the Alliance, sought to address the pressing challenges facing mental health research by encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and the development of innovative projects.

The workshop provided a dynamic platform for researchers to exchange ideas and identify new research avenues, with participants exploring a range of themes including the neuroscience of mental health, the mental wellbeing of young people, and the social and environmental factors that contribute to mental illness.

GW4 Alliance Director, Dr Joanna Jenkinson, hosted an in-depth session exploring the mental health landscape across GW4, with a host of speakers joining to highlight some of the key projects tackling critical issues across the region. Dr Sophie Legge from Cardiff University highlighted the Brain and Genomics UKRI Mental Health Platform Hub's data collection and public involvement opportunities. Dr Sarah Sullivan of the University of Bristol discussed a data-driven psychosis prediction model aimed at early intervention. Prof Ed Watkins from the University of Exeter shared the Nurture-U Study on improving student mental health support, and Prof Sarah Halligan from the University of Bath emphasised the need for early interventions in addressing young people’s mental health challenges.

Meanwhile, a second session explored GW4’s regional strengths and enablers, with Professor Ann John from Swansea University sharing an insight into DATAMIND – The Hub for Mental Health Informatics Research Development, which is centered around empowering data-driven research. Professor Nic Timpson, from the University of Bristol, gave an overview of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), also known as the Children of the 90s, a world-leading birth cohort study, which tracked mental health issues across the study’s cohort. Finally, Dr Matt Williams, from the University of Bristol Centre for Supercomputing, delivered a presentation on applying the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to aid mental health research – with a particular focus on the opportunities afforded by the new £225m Isambard-AI supercomputer.

In addition to hearing from speakers, attendees also engaged in discussions around potential collaborations for future GW4 Development Award applications and other funding opportunities. As part of this, delegates were invited to deliver a 1-minute ‘lightning talk’, to pitch a discussion topic to the group or a collaborative project idea. A total of 14 topics were presented, with ideas ranging from uses and implications of recent advances in AI to mental health science and intervention, to exploring the mental health and wellbeing needs for refugees and asylum seekers seeking sanctuary.

Participants then had the chance to discuss and refine their ideas, with the option to apply for a GW4 Development Award, which offers small-scale funding toward a single activity, to further develop their proposals in detail. We were delighted to receive a total of nine Development Award applications as a direct result of the event.

Notably, the workshop underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling complex mental health challenges. GW4 Health and Wellbeing Manager, Dr Claire Spreadbury, said: “The workshop exemplifies the GW4 Alliance’s commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through collaborative research. By bringing together the collective expertise of our member institutions, the GW4 Mental Health Research Network is poised to unlock innovative solutions that can make a tangible difference in addressing pressing mental health challenges

Further information:

• GW4 Mental Health Research Network: The GW4 Mental Health Research Network was established in 2023 to tackle some of the pressing mental health challenges facing society today. The Network aims to connect investigators, foster new conversations, share knowledge and spark new research collaborations across the GW4 universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. To find out more about the Network, or to sign-up, please visit our website.
• GW4 Development Awards: These small awards (<£5K) will support the development and progression of GW4 collaborations by funding a single activity or resource. The aim is that communities will use the small awards as a step towards applying for external funding. Applications can come from new or existing GW4 communities. Find out more about the Development Awards on our Building Communities webpages.