About the European Psychiatric Association Section of Epidemiology and Social Psychiatry
Welcome to the EPA Section of Epidemiology & Social Psychiatry.
Our section is one of the oldest and most active Sections of the European Psychiatric Association, and our biennial conferences attract attendees from all over Europe and beyond. We have existed as a Section for over 40 years, and in 2022 celebrated our 20th biennial Congress (Cambridge, UK). Our most recent Congress was in Lausanne in September 2024, and we are looking forward to our 22nd Congress, to be held in Brescia, Italy in September 2026.
Our Congresses are known for attracting researchers at all levels in their career, from students and trainees through to distinguished Professors and Emeritus Professors. They are also known for fostering a friendly and collegiate atmosphere, showcasing the very best research in psychiatric epidemiology, social psychiatry and public mental health. We welcome participation from all professions involved in research and clinical work in these fields, including participation by people with lived experience of mental health problems and their carers.
We believe that psychiatric epidemiology and social psychiatry provide a rigorous basis for advancing knowledge on preventing and treating mental health disorders and problems from a population health and societal perspective. These tools allow us to advance understanding of the burden and etiology of mental health issues, and inform prevention, mental health service, treatment and prognostic models of care.
We encourage and promote research into a broad range of topics from social psychiatry and the epidemiology of mental health. Social psychiatry is focused on the social causes and consequences of mental disorders as well as social networks of patients, and service planning. Psychiatric epidemiology covers a broad range of topics including both basic and applied research.
Who we are
We have an official Academic Board, run by our Chair, Prof. Martin Preisig, General Secretary, Caroline Vandeleur and councillors Professor James Kirkbride, Prof Arnstein Mykletun, and Dr Emma Soneson.
We also convene a Local Organising Committee for each conference, as well as a Scientific Committee. The Local Organising Committee for our 22nd Congress in Brescia, Italy, 16-19 September, 2026, is chaired by Professor Giovanni de Girolamo (University of Brescia, Italy). Further details can be found on our congress home page.