Harvard’s Matthew Nock to headline University of Notre Dame summit on mental health research October 21 

The Indiana CTSI invites researchers, clinicians, trainees, community partners, and healthcare leaders from across the state to attend a summit hosted by the University of Notre Dame on October 21, 2026, at the Morris Inn in South Bend.  

This year’s summit will explore the theme, “Advancing Mental Health Through Translational Research and Partnerships,” highlighting innovative approaches to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges facing Indiana and the nation. 

The summit will feature keynote speaker Matthew K. Nock, PhD, the Edgar Pierce Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and a renowned researcher whose work focuses on understanding, predicting, and preventing suicide and self-harm. Nock’s groundbreaking contributions to mental health research have earned national recognition, including selection as a MacArthur Fellow.  

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions about the latest advances in mental health research, discover resources that support translational science, and build new collaborations across Indiana’s research and healthcare communities. The event will also showcase the University of Notre Dame’s new Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the clinic’s role in advancing mental health care and research. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to Notre Dame to discuss mental health research, resources, and relationships,” said Melanie DeFord, the Indiana CTSI’s deputy director for Notre Dame. “We are excited to have the event’s theme come to life during our summit.” 

The day before the summit, attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the Veldman Clinic and enjoy a networking session, DeFord said.  

Join colleagues from across Indiana for learning, networking, and collaboration focused on improving mental health outcomes through research-driven partnerships. Registration information and additional event details are available through the University of Notre Dame event page.