Indiana CTSI summit at the University of Notre Dame focuses on improving mental health through translational research
More than 100 researchers, clinicians, trainees, and community partners gathered at the University of Notre Dame’s Morris Inn on Oct. 21 for the Indiana CTSI Notre Dame Summit. The theme was “Advancing Mental Health Through Translational Research and Partnerships.“
The summit showcased research findings, clinical innovations, and collaborative approaches aimed at improving mental health outcomes across Indiana. It was hosted in partnership with the Veldman Family Psychology Clinic, which attendees had the opportunity to tour to on Oct. 20.
Melanie DeFord, deputy director of the Indiana CTSI at Notre Dame, said the summit highlighted the power of collaboration across the Indiana CTSI network. Bringing together colleagues from all three Indiana CTSI research institutions was a key goal of the event.
“It’s important to me that we show the strength of our statewide partnership,” she said, noting that researchers and clinicians from across the Indiana CTSI were represented in presentations and breakout sessions.
The program featured a keynote address by Matthew Nock, PhD, of Harvard University, an internationally recognized expert on suicide prevention and mental health. Nock discussed how advances in digital technology, wearable sensors, and predictive analytics are helping researchers better understand and intervene in suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
DeFord said the keynote resonated strongly with attendees, adding that colleagues began reaching out almost immediately after the presentation to share how much they appreciated Nock’s insights.
Additional plenary sessions explored the evolution of public understanding of suicide, maternal and early childhood mental health, and emerging opportunities to translate research discoveries into real-world impact. Attendees also participated in poster sessions, networking opportunities, and breakout discussions on topics including community-engaged research, trauma-informed care, perinatal mental health, substance use, and expanding access to mental health services.
The summit reinforced its central theme: improving mental health requires collaboration across disciplines, institutions, and communities.
“It was really a great day,” DeFord said.
