MHP Research Summit

The MHP Research Summit is an event for scientists, clinicians and health care professionals to network and share the latest advances in research into severe mental illness. While it is not a public event, we will be sharing stories and research highlights from the day through our website and social media.

The MHP Research Summit is in-person. However, we aim to have at least one session live-streamed. More information about this option will be available before the event.

• Go to the MHP Research Summit event page at the link below
• Click "Book event" at the top of the page.
• Fill in your details
• Choose whether you'd like to register for:
  • MHP Research Summit
  • ECR Workshop hosted by MQ & DATAMIND
  • Both events
• After completing the form, follow the links at the bottom to pay:
  • One payment link for the MHP Research Summit
  • One payment link for the ECR Workshop

There are three broad areas of scientific interest in SMI which have been selected as themes for 2025.

• Molecular Psychiatry

This theme focuses on biological mechanisms underlying SMI, including genetic, neurochemical, and cellular processes. This line of research seeks to deepen our understanding of aetiology and pathophysiology, with the long-term aim of informing more precise and effective interventions.

• Social and Emotional Health

This theme explores how social environments, interpersonal relationships, and emotional regulation influence the onset, course, and recovery from SMI. It places emphasis on the lived experience, addressing structural and interpersonal factors such as stigma, exclusion, and socioeconomic disadvantage.

• Data, Digital & AI

This theme examines how digital technologies, routinely collected health data, and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve understanding, prediction, and care in SMI. It includes work on digital phenotyping, machine learning, and the ethical use of data to support personalised and scalable approaches to mental health.

A wide range of hotels and serviced apartments are available within walking distance of the venue, including budget, boutique, and University-run options — we recommend booking early.

• Researchers whose work focuses on severe mental illness (SMI) or related conditions, including:
  • PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
  • Clinicians and allied health professionals in research careers
  • PPIE members

Submissions from those based in universities, NHS trusts, research institutes, or voluntary sector organisations are welcome. Co-authored submissions with people with lived experience of SMI are encouraged.

Presenters must be able to attend the event in person on 10th October 2025.

To submit an abstract, please complete the conference registration form on the event page. As part of the form, you’ll be asked to:

• Select which of the three conference themes your abstract relates to
• Indicate whether you would like to be considered for an ECR lightning talk or prefer to present a poster only
• Add your abstract title
• List all co-authors, so we can identify any conflicts of interest for the review process
• Paste your abstract into the text box (maximum 300 words)

If you would like to submit more than one abstract, please submit your main abstract using the registration form, and then get in contact with mhp@ed.ac.uk

You can submit an abstract after you have registered - read more under "Can I register now and submit an abstract later?" below.

Yes, you can submit an abstract after you have registered. You will need to use the link below [now unavailable for 2025].

Please only use this abstract submission form if you have already completed registration for the Research Summit, and now wish to submit an abstract. Your abstract will not be considered if we do not have a record of your registration.

In 2025, we welcome abstracts of up to 300 words presenting research related to one of the three themes:  Molecular Psychiatry, Social and Emotional Health, Data, Digital & AI.

You can submit abstracts under any one of these themes.  In your registration form you will be asked which theme your work best aligns with. See the above question “What are the scientific themes?” for more information on these themes.

Abstract guidance:

Title: The title should be concise, informative, and accurately reflect the content of the abstract.

Authors: List all authors with their full names and institutional affiliations. Clearly indicate the presenting author. 

Abstract Body (300 words): 

• Background: Brief context or rationale
• Aims/Objectives: the purpose of the study/research
• Methodology/approach used.
• Results (or expected outcomes, if not yet complete)
• Impact statement: Potential implications for practice, policy, or lived experience

Your abstract will be reviewed by scientific experts and people with lived experience of SMI. It should be able to communicate impact clearly to both academic and lived experience reviewers. Avoid jargon where possible and explain technical terms briefly.

Advice on creating a plain language summary

Abstracts will be reviewed by a panel including both scientific experts and people with lived experience (PWLE) of SMI. 

The review process will assess the following:

• Original Research: Does the abstract present original work relevant to SMI or related conditions?
• Significant Findings: Is the research of interest and value to the wider mental health research field?
• Potential for Impact: Could the work lead to improved understanding, diagnosis, treatment, or policy in the context of severe mental illness?

We encourage clear, accessible language and an emphasis on why the research matters including its relevance to people affected by SMI. 

The top two abstracts in each theme will be selected for ECR lightning talk presentations during the conference. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity, please indicate this at the time of submission.

If your decision to attend the conference depends on the acceptance of your abstract, please let us know at the time of submission . While we cannot guarantee refunds we will do our best to accommodate individual circumstances. Please be assured that this will not affect the abstract review process, which follows a set of established criteria applied consistently to all submissions.

2025 Timeline:

• Abstract submissions open: 14th July – 28th August, 4pm
• Applicants notified if they have a talk/poster: 19th September
• Talks submitted: 7th October

If you are selected for a talk or poster, more information will follow when you are notified. 

We have a maximum of 50 posters at the Research Summit. Even if you are not selected, your registration ensures your attendance and we look forward to welcoming you at the conference. 

If you would like to withdraw your abstract submission at any point please get in touch: mhp@ed.ac.uk 

Posters

Size: Posters should be printed in A0 portrait.

Word count: aim for a maximum of 300–500 words for the entire poster – restrict references to those that are necessary. Tip: increase viewing efficiency by using bullet points, headlines, charts, diagrams, and logos, and keep it simple. 

All posters presented at the conference are eligible for the People’s Choice Prize, which will be selected by attendees. Throughout the conference, you’ll have the opportunity to view the posters and vote for your favourite. This prize is a chance to recognise the work that stands out most to the conference community. Details on how to vote will be provided during the event.

ECR Lightning Talks

The top two abstracts in each theme will be selected for lightning talk presentations during the conference. An ECR lightning talk will be a 3-minute presentation + 1 minute for questions. These sessions allow for direct and immediate feedback and broad exposure. 

You will also be eligible for a prize based on your talk on the day.