SYMPOSIUM Anticipate and Act: Prevention and Strengthening Mental Health in the Netherlands and Beyond

We are delighted to invite you to the symposium, Anticipate and Act: Prevention and Strengthening Mental Health in the Netherlands and Beyond, taking place on June 19, 2025, at the UMCG in Groningen. This event is jointly organized by a consortium of partners with extensive networks across the Netherlands.

This special gathering will bring together experts, policymakers, professionals, and individuals with lived experience to engage in a critical conversation about shaping the future of mental health prevention.

Why this event?

Mental health prevention is a pressing topic in the Netherlands and beyond. Leveraging the experience of the Mentaal Gezond Groningen programme, we aim to share insights from Groningen, reflect on national initiatives with contributions from MindUs, Nationaal Plan Hoofdzaken, and the Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health, and build on the outcomes of related events to deepen the conversation on mental health prevention policy.

What is our goal?

During the symposium, we will explore how mental health prevention can be effective and we will work towards embedding it firmly in policy and practice. The day will feature inspiring talks from (inter)nationally renowned experts, opportunities to expand your network, and interactive break-out sessions where we’ll collaboratively identify concrete next steps to drive meaningful policy change.

What is on the agenda for the day?

• Gain (inter)national insights: Hear from international experts like Ricardo Munoz on 65 years of depression prevention and Jochen Mierau on the economic potential of mental health.

• Connect across disciplines: Leading scientists, national and international experts, people with lived experience and professionals will engage in a dialogue, with sessions focusing on the mental health challenges and prevention strategies.

• Collaborate on solutions: With a focus on both local and global perspectives, we will explore actionable solutions for mental health prevention – from youth-focused models to workplace and community strategies.

Programme Highlights

• Keynotes (in English):
  • Ricardo Muñoz : On the Road to a World Without Clinical Depression: 65 years and counting...
  • Jochen Mierau : The Economic Potential of Mental Health
  • Frederike Jorg: Mentaal Gezond Groningen project

• A selection of 7 afternoon Breakout Sessions (in Dutch and English): See link for more information

• Round table discussion (in Dutch): Insights from policymakers, practitioners, and experts about how to implement real change.

By attending, you will be part of a dialogue, helping to shape policies and strategies that can make a real impact on mental health prevention, both locally and internationally.

Join us in Groningen on June 19, 2025, and together we will work to make mental health prevention a priority for future policies.

Keynotes

Ricardo F. Muñoz

Muñoz has been a leader in research into the prevention of depression. His team conducted the first randomized control trial intended to test whether the onset of major depression episodes could be prevented. He has served on three U.S. National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Consensus Committees on prevention of mental disorders. He is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and was inducted as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science “for distinguished contributions towards the prevention of major depression and the development of Internet interventions to improve mental health worldwide.”

Title: On the Road to a World Without Clinical Depression: 65 years and counting...

Muñoz will present data showing that, in terms of knowledge, we are halfway down the road to a world without depression. That is, with current methods, we can prevent or treat up to 50% of clinical episodes of major depression. However, in terms of practice, we are scarcely at the beginning of that road. He will interweave the scientific aspects of his talk with the personal sources of his interest in preventing depression worldwide.

Jochen Mierau

Mierau is Professor of Public Health Economics at the University of Groningen and the University Medical Centre Groningen as well as Scientific Director of Lifelines. His work focuses on socioeconomic differences in health. Over the years he has contributed to the study of mental health by highlighting how socioeconomic factors early in life affect mental health later in life but also by analysing the impact of mental health problems on longevity. His work is frequently discussed in the media and has informed health policy in many instances

Titel: The Economic Potential of Mental Health

Mental health is a crucial factor in economic productivity, with its impact felt not just through treatment costs but through lost workforce potential. Mental health challenges follow a clear socioeconomic gradient, meaning that closing the health gap is essential for unlocking economic potential. Moreover, true health does not stem from healthcare alone but from proactive mental health protection. To move forward, we must enhance our understanding of effective protective measures and address the political barriers posed by industries—such as social media, gambling, and alcohol—whose business models contribute to mental health risks. A shift in policy and commitment is imperative.

Frederike Jörg

Jörg is associate professor at the University Center Psychiatry of the UMCG and program director of Mentaal Gezond Groningen and the Rob Giel Research Center.

Title: Mentaal Gezond Groningen: The Northern Netherlands Mental Health Initiative

Organised by: UMCG, Aletta Jacobs School of Public Health, Mentaal Gezond Groningen, Nationaal plan hoofdzaken, MindUs