The 2nd TOUCH Initial Workshop will take place on 22–23 and 25–26 June 2026 at the UAB Research Park(PRUAB), located in the Eureka Building on the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona campus.
The four-day event will bring together TOUCH doctoral researchers for a programme combining research presentations, scientific lectures, transferable skills training and team-building activities. The workshop will open with welcome remarks by Dr Jordi Malapeira and Dr Sònia Sánchez, followed by presentations from PhD students affiliated with TOUCH partner institutions including UAB, IR Sant Pau, CRM, CED, I3PT, VHIR and FSIE.
A key objective of the workshop is to foster exchange among doctoral researchers and strengthen the interdisciplinary and intersectoral dimension of the TOUCH programme. The agenda includes student research presentations designed to encourage peer learning, feedback and collaboration across different areas of mental health and wellbeing research.
The programme will also place strong emphasis on transferable skills. Participants will take part in a storytelling workshop for emotional wellbeing, “Talking Dice”, led by UAB Open Labs, as well as sessions on positive conflict resolution, scientific communication, good research practices, and the integration of gender and diversity dimensions in research.
Scientific lectures will address a broad range of topics linked to mental health and wellbeing, including early-life environmental exposures, neonatal brain and microbiota development, gene-person-environment interactions, genetic and -omics approaches to psychiatric traits, gaze behaviour and cognitive variables, maternal mental health, Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, music in stroke rehabilitation, life-course wellbeing and the hungry brain.
The workshop will conclude with a mentoring session and a management meeting with TOUCH PhD students, providing space to reflect on the programme, strengthen connections and support the development of the doctoral community.