The first day of the Swiss Public Health Conference 2025 and Mental Health Network Meeting in Lugano brought together more than 400 participants who addressed current issues relating to mental health under the title Mental Health and Wellbeing: Investing in Mental Wealth. After the opening ceremony by representatives of SSPH+, Public Health Switzerland, USI and SUPSI, two keynote speeches highlighted key topics: the morning focused on global, public and personal challenges in the field of mental health, followed in the afternoon by a discussion of the links between social relationships, biomarkers and mental wealth. Complemented by a variety of parallel sessions, poster presentations and the presentation of the SPHD Award and Best PhD Abstract Award, the day offered a wide range of ideas and opportunities for intensive exchange between research, practice and politics. A theatre evening and the subsequent social event rounded off the programme and brought an inspiring first day of the conference to a close.
The second day of the Swiss Public Health Conference 2025 and Mental Health Network Meeting began with a virtual welcome address from Ticino politicians and an overview of the Swiss Brain Health Plan. The subsequent keynote session focused on the social determinants of mental health: experts highlighted the situation of young people, intergenerational risks and resilience, and support approaches for vulnerable groups. A high-calibre panel then discussed the new National Health Report from a Swiss perspective and possible responses to current needs, particularly in the area of youth and school. After a lively poster flash and parallel sessions in the afternoon, the concluding keynote address focused on the transition from mental illness to well-being. The contributions ranged from sociological and socio-aesthetic approaches to creative approaches such as theatre work with young people. The Swiss Public Health Conference 2025 and Mental Health Network Conference came to an end with the presentation of the Best Poster Award.