ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��

Laura Shields-Zeeman, head of the Trimbos Institute’s Mental Health & Prevention programme, has been named Professor by special appointment of Population Mental Health at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��. The chair is funded by the Trimbos Institute. 'I view this professorship as a chance to further expand our societal impact and make it even stronger.'

Shields-Zeeman began working at the Trimbos Institute in late 2014. “At first, I focused mainly on international projects. Those ranged from co-developing interventions for depression and anxiety in India to projects aimed at reforming the mental healthcare system in countries like Moldova.” Today, in addition to leading the Mental Health & Prevention programme, she is also the director of the WHO

Education, income, living environment

In her role as professor, her first priority is to explore potential ways to improve mental health and well-being, not only in the Netherlands, but in other countries as well. 'We know a great deal about mental healthcare interventions at the individual level. But we also know that mental health is determined by many factors beyond the individual's control. Good education, a stable income, a safe and healthy living environment: they all contribute to good physical and mental health. The extent to which the various factors – and the interaction between those factors – affects a person's mental health is a subject that calls for additional research. After that, we can deploy specific interventions to prevent and reduce mental health problems.'

Greater recognition

According to the new professor by special appointment, the timing of her appointment is crucial: 'The importance of mental health continues to gain greater recognition, both in the Netherlands and abroad. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport recently introduced the , through which the Dutch government hopes to kick off a movement toward a mentally healthy Netherlands, with specific attention for adolescents and young adults, working people and residents in vulnerable positions. The Trimbos Institute participated in the exploratory phase of a nationwide approach to mental health, including a scoping study ( - Trimbos Institute), and is involved in the various lines of action and providing expertise and monitoring for the nationwide approach.'

I also intend to intensify the international collaboration with regard to mental health and to strengthen the ties between national and international partners in this area.

Partnership

Shields-Zeeman's appointment will serve to reinforce the existing partnership between Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� and the Trimbos Institute. 'I plan to look into ways to expand our cooperation with regard to public health and the social domain. I also intend to intensify the international collaboration with regard to mental health and to strengthen the ties between national and international partners in this area.' 

Laura Shields-Zeeman will hold the chair from 1 April 2022.