11th June 2025 Blog

Addressing the Global Mental Health Crisis at the 2025 Prix Galien Forum

Panel discussion members on stage

After reaching out to our networks, Vanessa Pinfold offered a lived experience perspective on a panel discussing how healthcare systems can deliver solutions at scale to address the mental health crises

On Thursday 5 June, we took part in the Prix Galien London Forum at the Science Museum. The event, a gathering of leading international figures in life science research and beyond, intended to explore the challenges and opportunities in global health innovation.  

McPin co-founder and research director, Vanessa Pinfold offered a lived experience perspective on the panel discussion, chaired by Professor Kathryn Abel: Advances in Treatment of Symptoms in Mental Health/Mood Disorders: How can healthcare systems deliver solutions at scale to address the global mental health crisis? 

In preparation, we reached out to our networks and asked people what was important to them. 

Our questions:  

  1. What are your top priorities when it comes to developing new therapies and treatment options for mental health issues related to changes in mood? 
  2. What do you think are the key challenges when it comes to developing new medicines for mental health issues related to changes in mood? 
  3. What are your views on psychedelics being included as a treatment option within mainstream therapy? 
  4. How do you feel about digital mental health, such as apps and artificial intelligence, to deliver therapies? 
  5. What needs to be considered when delivering therapy and treatment options for mental health issues related to changes in mood at scale, including globally? 

A key takeaway from the panel discussion was that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to treatment options; personalised approaches are needed. Context and culture also shape how people experience mood changes.  

We’ve produced a short report that covers the top priorities and challenges, as shared with us by our networks, as well as our recommendations for tackling the global mental health crisis.
 

 

Infographic Report