Visionary research into psychosocial risk factors and resilience-promoting mechanisms in
life settings, with the aim of developing innovative interventions and prevention-oriented, translational strategies to
strengthen mental health and social participation.
Abstract
The aim of the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) is to improve the mental health of the population
through innovative research into the causes of mental disorders, the development of new prevention and
treatment approaches, and their implementation in real-world settings. The funding focus of the flexible
funds within the “VISIONS26” call lies on visionary research addressing emerging research questions.
Funded projects are expected to respond flexibly to developments of high societal relevance and to align
with the vision and strategic objectives of the overall concept as well as the research domains “Risk and
resilience in mental and physical health across the lifespan,” “Innovative, individualized interventions,” and
“Prevention, recovery, and participation in everyday life.” A central objective of the flexible visionary fund is
to promote inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches through collaboration between multiple DZPG
sites and external partners from industry and the social, health, or education sectors. Supporting projects
with translational potential and innovative methodological approaches helps to link scientific excellence with
societal impact.
Berlin-Potsdam, one of the six DZPG sites, is a scientific network involving Charité – Universitätsmedizin
Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Potsdam, the Robert Koch
Institute, the German Institute of Human Nutrition, the Max Delbrück Center, and the Max Planck Institute.
Research at the site focuses on biopsychosocial risk models and early childhood traumatization (BE1),
innovative clinical studies on pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions as well as digital
technologies (BE2), community health care and social inequality (BE3), participatory research (BE4), and
global collaborations to counter stigma and promote community-based interventions (BE5).
Principal investigators
- Dziobek-Ferber, Isabel Prof. Dr. ⧉ (Clinical Psychology of Social Interaction)
- Bayer, Mareike Dr. ⧉ (Clinical Psychology of Social Interaction)
- Breitenstein, Barbara Dr. ⧉ (Clinical Psychology of Social Interaction)
Participating external organisations
Financer
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space
Duration of project
Start date: 07/2026
End date: 06/2029
