The HRB had a central role in developing the strategy which provides a comprehensive framework to guide and advance mental health research in Ireland. It aims to address current challenges, foster innovation, and build a future where mental health research underpins policy and practice. 

Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, Chief Executive of the HRB, commented: 

“At the HRB, people are always at the centre of what we do, and this strategy reflects that core value. By focusing on research that directly impacts individuals, families, and communities, we want to ensure that mental health research addresses real-world needs and delivers meaningful outcomes.  

“This strategy represents a significant step forward in creating a research system that prioritises innovation and collaboration while keeping people’s mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its mission.” 

The strategy aligns with 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.  

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. 

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 the strategy reflects the perspectives of people with lived experience, researchers from diverse fields, policymakers, and service providers. 

The strategy’s key recommendations include: 

  • Increase and sustain funding across the mental health research system. 
  • 15 research priority areas to advance mental health research in alignment with Sharing the Vision. 
  • Strengthen research infrastructure, research workforce capacity, co-production and lived experience engagement, and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. 
  • Maximise the impact of mental health research on the wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties and their families, supporters, and communities. 

The implementation of this cross-sectoral strategy will be overseen by a dedicated Implementation and Oversight Group, which will be chaired by the Department of Health. The group will collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure the strategy’s goals and actions are achieved. 

Dr Fiona Keogh, Chair of the National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group, emphasised the transformative potential of the strategy: 

“This strategy represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance mental health research and bring Ireland to the forefront of mental health evidence and innovation. By building a comprehensive and integrated research system, we can address current challenges, anticipate future needs, and positively impact mental health and wellbeing for all. I urge policymakers, funders, researchers, and people with lived experience to come together to make this vision a reality.” 

The HRB’s leadership in developing the National Mental Health Research Strategy reflects its mission to support research that improves people’s health, promotes evidence-informed care, and creates solutions to societal challenges. 

Read the strategy

Read Department of Health press release