This podcast with guest speaker Sabine Hölter‑Koch, Germany, and host Luisa Klahn, Sweden, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP. In this episode, they discuss the value of rigorous preclinical research, the role of translational models, and the challenges facing animal research today. They explore the ECNP Course on Neuroscience research, designed to strengthen methodological skills, foster multidisciplinary exchange, and support responsible, future‑ready science.

More information about the ECNP Course on Neuroscience research: https://knowledge-hub.ecnp.eu/all-courses/neuroscience-research-exploring-models-and-methodologies-translational-neuroscience

Brains On Brains podcast series: The ECNP podcast series brings you conversations with some of the leading researchers in applied neuroscience, discussing their work, their career, their vision on the field, and why they do what they do.

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.

This podcast with guest speakers Tiago Costa, United Kingdom, and Piotr Jazdzyk, Poland, and host Luisa Klahn, Sweden, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP.

In this episode, they explore how neuromodulation—from ECT and TMS to emerging techniques—offers powerful, evidence‑based options for severe and treatment‑resistant depression. They discuss clinical impact, training gaps, structural barriers, and how ECNP’s new online course aims to equip clinicians and researchers to use these life‑changing interventions more confidently.

More information about the ECNP Course on Neuromodulation: https://knowledge-hub.ecnp.eu/all-courses/mechanism-clinical-application-psychiatry

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.

This podcast with guest speaker Marco Solmi, Canada, and host Michele De Prisco, Spain, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP. How important is it to summarise data in a world where thousands of new findings are produced every day? Can we generate new knowledge from existing information? What should we be aware of when reading a meta-analysis? In this episode, Michele De Prisco and Marco Solmi discuss the role of meta-research in modern psychiatry, explore the strengths and limitations of these approaches, and reflect on the future of knowledge synthesis.

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, Elisabeth Binder, Germany, explores how stress leaves lasting biological marks through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. In conversation with Jelena Brasanac, Germany, she discusses how discoveries in stress-related genes and pathways, such as FKBP5, have paved the way toward a deeper understanding of vulnerability, resilience, and the promise of personalised psychiatry. She also reflects on the role of science in society and how research can shape narratives around mental health, offering a thoughtful perspective on the future of the 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.

What does it mean to call something a “mental disorder”? Are biological explanations enough? In this episode, psychiatrist and philosopher of psychiatry Awais Aftab, USA, joins host Stefan Jerotic, Serbia, to unpack competing models of mental illness, the value of explanatory pluralism, how patient perspectives reshape psychiatric understanding and how conceptual clarity can make psychiatry more humane and scientifically grounded.

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.

This podcast with guest speaker Joaquim Radua, Spain, and host Michele De Prisco, Spain, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP. 
Is the future of psychiatry being shaped by data science? How can predictive models and neuroimaging support clinical care? What role will artificial intelligence play in transforming mental health research? 

In this episode, Michele De Prisco and Joaquim Radua discuss the intersection of psychiatry, neuroscience, and statistics, explore the promise and limits of AI, and reflect on the future of personalized mental health care. 

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.

This podcast with speakers Tomas Hajek, Canada, Danella Hafeman, USA, Hanne Lie Kjærstad, Denmark, and host Luisa Klahn, Sweden, is part of the Congress Preview podcast series from ECNP.

Longitudinal studies help scientists understand why the course and outcomes of bipolar disorder vary so widely. In this episode, the speakers discuss brain changes, cognitive impairments, and mobile sensing, sharing insights from large, multi-modal cohort studies. They highlight how early markers and modifiable factors can guide prevention and treatment. Join them for their symposium at the 2025 ECNP congress in Amsterdam.

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.

This podcast with speakers Linda Simmler, Switzerland, Frederick Barret, United States, and host Friederike Holze, Switzerland, is part of the Congress Preview podcast series from ECNP.

They explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics like psilocybin, discussing both preclinical and clinical research. Topics include synaptic plasticity, neural circuits, and the role of psychedelics in treating depression, anxiety, and addiction. The conversation highlights key challenges such as establishing causal links between neuroplasticity and therapeutic effects, predicting patient responses, and navigating public perception and funding. Join them for their symposium at the 2025 ECNP congress in Amsterdam.

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.

This podcast with guest speaker Alberto Giubilini, United Kingdom, and host Michele De Prisco, Spain, is part of the Brains On Brains podcast series from ECNP.
Can AI act as a moral advisor in psychiatry? What consent and equity dilemmas do we face? Should we fear or embrace these tools?

In this episode, Michele De Prisco and Alberto Giubilini explore AI ethics in mental health, share insights, and envision the future of AI-driven psychiatry.

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, Martin Picard, USA, from Columbia University, shares his academic journey into mitochondrial psychobiology and its groundbreaking links to mental health, with postdoctoral researcher and Early Career Academy member Jelena Brasanac, Germany. He discusses the role of mitochondria in stress, mental health, and mood, explaining how mitochondrial health could reshape approaches to treating mental health disorders. He also offers insights on leadership in academia and practical advice for early career scientists, making this conversation a valuable listen for anyone interested in the future of mental health science. 

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.