The National Mental Health Research Strategy is a comprehensive framework to guide and advance mental health research in Ireland. It was developed by the Health Research Board as a whole-of-government strategy and was published in December 2024. We align our invesments in mental health research with the strategy’s priorities.
The strategy evolved from Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone and was a key recommendation of its Implementation Plan 2022-2024. It reflects the policy’s commitment to evidence-informed mental health services and supports.
The strategy’s vision is an Ireland with a thriving mental health research system that strengthens our understanding of mental health and positively impacts mental health and wellbeing for all.
Strategy development
The HRB led the development of the strategy by convening the National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group and supporting the group throughout their deliberations. The independent Chair of the Group was Dr Fiona Keogh, and membership of included lived experience experts, academic leaders, CEOs of non-profit organisations, and public sector experts.
A key feature of the strategy’s development was an inclusive public consultation process led by the HRB, which included a national survey and a series of workshops with key stakeholders. This process ensured that the strategy reflects the perspectives of people with lived experience, researchers from diverse fields, policymakers, and service providers.
Implementation and Oversight Group
To oversee the delivery of the National Mental Health Research Strategy, an Implementation and Oversight Group has been established by the Department of Health. This will support progress and accountability in achieving the strategy’s goals and recommended actions under the Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan for 2025-2027.
The Implementation and Oversight Group brings together representatives from government departments, state agencies, service providers, clinicians, academic researchers, and people with lived experience of mental health difficulties. The Group includes two HRB representatives from the Reserach Strategy & Funding Directorate.