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.

Use the Eventbrite link on the current event page to register and pay for your tickets.

Abstract submission is separate (scroll further down this page for more information).

A wide range of hotels and serviced apartments are available in the city, 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.

To submit an abstract, please complete the abstract submission form. As part of the form, you’ll be asked 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 two separate forms.

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

Yes, you will use the Eventbrite link on the event page to register to attend, and the abstract submission form separately.

So, you can register to secure your place first, and decide later if you want to submit an abstract, as long as it is before the deadline.

You could also submit your abstract now and buy your ticket later. But there are limited spots and it is first come, first served - even if your abstract is accepted we can't reserve a place.

We welcome abstracts of up to 300 words presenting research related to severe mental illness.

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 abstracts from early career researchers 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.

We anticipate being able to inform successful presenters before 20th August 2026.

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

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

A small number of abstract submissions from ECRs 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.