Mental Health Literacy is the first session in the 2025 Healthy Minds in Academia series, offering a science-based introduction to mental health tailored for academic settings. This session explores common misconceptions, prevalence, and the underlying causes and treatments of mental illness in research environments.
Healthy Minds in Academia: 2025 Event Series
Introduction to Mental Health Literacy Wednesday, July 2 | 15:00–16:00 CEST | Online Led by Dr. Mary Huff
What’s this about?
Mental health challenges are more common in academic life than many realize — and misconceptions about psychiatric illness remain widespread. This session is designed to change that.
In "A Scientist’s Primer on Mental Health", clinical psychologist and researcher Dr. Mary Huff will lead a 1-hour seminar and discussion designed specifically for academics. You'll gain a science-grounded understanding of mental health, with insights tailored to the pressures and environments that researchers face.
This online session will cover:
The prevalence of mental health conditions in both the general and academic populations
The signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses, including how they appear in academic settings
An overview of the scientific understanding of causes and treatments, with accessible language for non-specialists
Whether you're supporting colleagues or navigating your own mental health, this session provides an informed, judgment-free starting point.
About Healthy Minds in Academia
Healthy Minds in Academia is an initiative committed to destigmatizing mental health challenges in the academic world. We aim to foster open conversation, promote mental health literacy, and support the well-being of researchers and staff at every stage of their careers.
Founded by IMPRS-IS and University of Tübingen scholars Nina Effenberger and Janne Lappalainen, the initiative continues in 2025 under the care of Sara Sorce (IMPRS-IS Communications Manager), Dr. Carolin Lewis (Tübingen AI Center Coordinator), and Alexandra Witt (IMPRS-IS and University of Tübingen Doctoral Researcher).
Healthy Minds in Academia brings together our research community to talk openly about the challenges we face — from imposter phenomenon to burnout — and the tools we can use to support ourselves and each other.
Who can join?
This event is open to all members of our academic communities, including any doctoral researchers, postdocs, faculty, scientists, technical staff, and/or administrative professionals within the Cyber Valley Eco-System.
No registration is required. Details on how to join will be shared via community mailing lists. The session will be held online, with the option to attend anonymously.
Questions about joining? Just reach out sara.sorce@tuebingen.mpg.de
Join us for the full 2025 Healthy Minds in Academia Series
All sessions are free, online, and open to everyone in our academic community.
Basics of Mental Health Literacy Wednesday, July 2 | 15:00–16:00 CEST Led by Dr. Mary Huff
Imposter Phenomenon Thursday, September 18 | 15:00–16:00 CEST Led by Dr. Tijana Perovic
Rethinking Productivity Thursday, October 23 | 15:00–16:30 CEST Led by Dr. Vicent Botella-Soler
Basics of Burnout Wednesday, December 3 | 15:00–16:00 CET Led by Dr. Jelena Brasanac
Let’s build a healthier, more open academic culture — one conversation at a time.
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