ECNP Podcast series

Does serotonin hold the key to mental health treatment?  Elias Eriksson, Sweden, recipient of the 2024 ECNP Neuropharmacology Award, guides us through the science of serotonin reuptake inhibitors, passionately defending the serotonin theory of depression and addressing recent controversies in the field. Alongside host Chiara Montemitro, Sweden, they delve into clinical implications, the significance of biomarkers, and gender's impact on treatment outcomes. Plus, gain invaluable insights for young researchers!

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Join Prof. Carmine Pariante of King’s College London as he speaks with postdoctoral researcher and ECA member Jelena Brasanac from Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Together, they explore his pioneering research on the role of inflammation in mental health and the potential of platform trials to develop new mental health interventions. Prof. Pariante also highlights the importance of science communication through his Inspire the Mind initiative, offering valuable insights and advice for early career scientists navigating this evolving field.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Dysregulated insulin signalling affects somatic diseases including Type 2 diabetes and obesity, however has also been implicated in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this podcast, Simone Macrì, Italy, and Mairéad Sullivan, Ireland, discuss the role of insulin signalling in brain, and the value of animal models in understanding insulin-behaviour links. They are both part of the PRIME (Prevention and Remediation of Insulin multimorbidity in Europe) project, which aims to better understand insulin-brain interactions. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this episode, Janusz Rybakowski, Poland, and Kosma Sakrajda, Poland, discuss lithium's current and historical background in clinical practice and science. Based on the over 50 years of Janusz Rybakowski's career, they delve into pioneering research, the progress made in understanding the lithium mode of action over the years, and underline the new research directions. Janusz also shares his clinical and scientific experience and advises young scientists on career development.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

What do stress and resilience have in common? What is burnout and what are the challenges of studying it? How can different online platforms help researchers with literature research and psychiatric patients to better understand the medications that they’re prescribed? In this conversation, expert Christiaan Vinkers, the Netherlands, guides us through the world of stress and resilience, as well as his inspiring side projects. Joined by PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, Christiaan offers invaluable advice to Early Career Scientists, shedding light on both the academic and practical aspects of studying mental health.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this episode neurobiologist Francesca Cirulli, Italy, shares with PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, her personal academic journey and her most interesting findings relating early life stress factors to vulnerability to mental disorders. She also tells us about some of her many different side projects, including pet therapy to support children with autism and the ALBA network, a network of brain scientists aiming to promote diversity and equity in neuroscience. Throughout her conversation with Silvia, Francesca gives many valuable advice to early career scientists as well.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Dive into this transformative podcast, “Neuroscience redefined: stories of inclusion” with Ilya Smolensky and Katherine Deane, hosted by Rosanne Ausems. Ilya shares his inspiring journey with cerebral palsy, sparking a broader conversation on disabilities in research. Discover Katherine's ground-breaking work assessing lab accessibility, revealing shocking disparities. This episode is your invitation to join the movement towards a more inclusive future in neuroscience, offering real stories, impactful research, and a compelling call to action.

Read Ilya's story: https://ow.ly/8jct50SM9Pm

Access guidelines: https://ow.ly/CqUt50SM9Pl

ALBA Network: https://ow.ly/88m050SM9Uh 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this podcast episode, neurobiologist and pharmacologist Roger Adan, The Netherlands, talks with PhD student Silvia Bruzzone, Denmark, about his scientific findings in the field of eating behavior and disorders. Roger tells us about his journey in research, starting from his early studies on neuropeptides to his current goal, unraveling the brain circuits involved in anorexia nervosa.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Journey through the fascinating world of psychiatry research with Professor Marion Leboyer, France, a trailblazer in genetic research for psychiatric disorders and a proponent of the emerging field of immunoneuropsychiatry. In this podcast, Marion, France, discusses with Aiste Lengvenyte, France, her initial studies into autism genetics, and the current work on the intersection of immunology and psychiatry, offering insight into the evolution and future of the discipline.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this podcast, Barbara Franke, the Netherlands, and Kosma Sakrajda, Poland, delve into the ongoing efforts to modernise the concept of ADHD. Barbara shares insights into the current research and the ECNP Course on a modernised concept of ADHD. They also talk about the evolving landscape of neuroscience, highlighting future challenges and opportunities for the field. Additionally, Barbara dives into her scientific career experiences and gives valuable guidance for early career scientists.

ADHD course: www.ecnp.eu/research-innovation/ecnp-courses/modernised-concept-adhd
Early Career Academy:  www.ecnp.eu/early-career-academy

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

The building of an academic career can be a beautiful but challenging road. Anna Beyeler, France, is a principal investigator at the French Institute of Health (INSERM). In this podcast, Ilse Graat, the Netherlands, talks with her about the ups and downs of her academic career path and how she currently helps early career scientists in building their own career. Amongst other things, she highlights that there should be more attention for the full range of neuroscience careers, not only emphasizing careers in Academia.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

The PRISM 2 project aims to develop a quantitative biological approach to the understanding of neuropsychiatric diseases. In this episode Abi Abrahams interviews Professor Martien Kas and Dr. Hugh Marston, where they discussed the aims and legacy of the PRISM 2 project. Conversation covered areas such as industry and academia collaboration, advice for early career scientists, and their hopes for the future in the field of neuropsychiatry.

Important links:
 Prism 2 project: https://prism2-project.eu/en/prism-study/
Innovative Medicine Initiative: https://www.imi.europa.eu/

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Lived experience experts bring unique insights and perspectives to the research process. In this podcast, Vanessa Pinfold, United Kingdom, and Annemiek van Berkel, The Netherlands, discuss how to truly engage lived experience in research. As research director at the McPin Foundation, Vanessa has over a decade experience on how to put lived experience at the core of mental health research. She shares strategies and practical tips on how to ensure meaningful involvement - especially for those who would like to start but unsure how. Join this insightful conversation and get inspired!

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this podcast, pharmacologist Christina Dalla, shares with Aiste Lengvenyte, France, her journey into the world of sex differences in depression models and antidepressant response. They discuss why sex matters in neuroscience and how it should be integrated into research. Christina also shares the challenges and rewards of her career and gives insight into the role of sex and gender in the future of applied neuroscience. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

We are more prosperous, but mentally sicker than ever. Does prosperity bring bad luck? In this podcast Damiaan Denys and Ilse Graat discuss the paradox between greater economic wealth and the increase of mental complaints. Additionally, Damiaan talks about the choices he made as an early career researcher, his professional journey and his reasons to combine philosophy, psychiatry, clinical work and scientific research. One of his research topics focusses on confidence, in this podcast he explains that confidence abnormalities are associated with different psychiatric disorders. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

The COVID pandemic created a beneficial momentum in mental health research. In this podcast, Celso Arango and Aiste Lengvenyte discuss the challenges in youth mental health including awareness, prevention and access to treatment. They also talk about the latest discoveries on the causes of neurodevelopmental conditions and the need for a more dimensional approach in mental health. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

The use of psychedelics in the treatment of psychiatric disorders has been receiving widespread attention from the nonprofessional and scientific community for the last few years. The practice of taking a small, non-psychedelic dose of LSD or psilocybin to improve particular behaviour, emotions, or a psychiatric condition is claimed to be effective by its users. In this podcast Ilse Graat, the Netherlands, interviews Kim Kuypers, the Netherlands, on her path towards psychedelics, discussing where this young research field stands and where it is heading, including new research on microdosing yet to be explored.

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

Would you like to know ‘why we just don’t do the things we know are good for us?’ listen to part two of the podcast series with Silke Matura and Veerle van Gils. Learn more on the effects of lifestyle on cognition and get familiar with the various techniques used to measure different types of cognition. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In part one of the two-part podcast series, recorded during the ECNP Congress in Vienna, PhD student Veerle van Gils and senior clinical scientist and psychologist Dr Silke Matura discuss the role of dysfunctional insulin signalling as modulator of mental and non-mental chronic diseases. They are both part of the PRIME (Prevention and Remediation of Insulin Multimorbidity in Europe) project trying to identify and specify the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin comorbidities. 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.

In this podcast Andreas Reif, past-chair of the Scientific Programme Committee, is in conversation with Early Career Advisory Panel chair Nils Opel. Andreas Reif, who studies molecular underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders, talks about his life in science and how science has speeded up since he started his career. In addition, he shares some advice to ensure a successful career start, elaborates on his participation in research networks and the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on research and mental health 

Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official position of ECNP. The content of this podcast should not be used in any way as the basis for treatment decisions.