Mental health is essential for the well-being of individuals and society. The goal of the Centre for Mental Health and Suicidology is to strengthen suicidology as an important academic and research field, while promoting comprehensive mental health research in Latvia. The Center works to better understand the phenomenon of suicide and other mental health problems through research, multidisciplinary collaboration and education. Through international collaboration, we are building a strong and sustainable future for mental health research in Latvia, developing science-based solutions to improve mental health care and reduce the burden of mental disorders. Our mission is to transform mental health into a priority where suicide prevention is guided by science and research knowledge is translated into effective public health strategies and clinical practice.
Head of the Centre
Associate Professor Jelena Vrublevska
Mission
The Centre for Mental Health and Suicidology is dedicated to advancing scientific understanding of suicide and mental health through interdisciplinary research, education, and international collaboration. Our mission is to develop evidence-based knowledge that supports effective prevention, improves treatment approaches, and strengthens mental health policy and practice in Latvia and beyond.
Vision
Our vision is to become a leading centre of excellence in suicidology and mental health research in the Baltic region, recognized for scientific excellence, innovation, and societal impact. We aspire to contribute to a future in which mental health is a public priority, suicide prevention is informed by robust scientific evidence, and research findings are effectively translated into policy, public health strategies, and clinical practice.
Research Areas
The Centre conducts multidisciplinary research addressing key challenges in mental health and suicidology. Our main areas of focus include:
- Suicide prevention and suicidology
- Affective disorders (including depression and bipolar disorder)
- Psychotic spectrum disorders
- Addictions and substance use disorders
- Mental health epidemiology and public health
- Risk and protective factors affecting mental health at individual and societal levels
Through clinical and epidemiological studies, the Center promotes innovative and collaborative research that contributes to both academic knowledge and practical solutions.
Public and Policy Impact
The Centre provides science-based expertise to support the development of mental health policy and public health initiatives. By producing research-based recommendations and promoting public awareness, we aim to reduce stigma, improve understanding of mental health challenges, and contribute to effective suicide prevention strategies.
Partnerships and International Collaboration
International cooperation is a fundamental part of the Centre’s development. We seek active collaboration with leading global professional organizations and research networks, including:
- International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP)
- European Psychiatric Association (EPA)
- World Psychiatric Association (WPA)
- European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP)
Through these partnerships and collaborations with universities and research institutions in Latvia and across Europe, the Center aims to build strong interdisciplinary networks, participate in international research consortia, and contribute to global mental health research.os.
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, Microbiology and Biotechnology
- Department of Ecology
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Department of Public Health and Healthcare
- Department of Surgery, Morphology and Invasive Medicine
- Department of Clinical and Personalized Medicine
- Department of Family, Maternal and Child Health
- Department of Neuromedicine and Neuroscience
- Department of Human Factors and Working Environment
- Department of Chemistry
- Conference abstracts