Depression: state-of-the-art and future directions in research and treatment (In-depth)

1. To realise the public health impact of depression, its heterogeneity and its transdiagnostic relevance.  
2. To understand the multi-component and complex aetiology of depression and how this is relevant in shaping precision medicine approaches for depression.
3. To understand (the state-of-the art evidence) of treatment of depression and what new developments are to be expected in the future. 

Early-career clinical or preclinical researchers and clinicians (holding an MSc or MD), with an interest in depression research and treatment. 

This in-depth track offers a comprehensive learning experience, combining self-paced and interactive elements:

• Ten 30-minute video lectures, available to watch at your own convenience
• Embedded knowledge tests within each lecture
• Pre-course and post-course tests to assess your understanding at the beginning and end of the course
• Six live online sessions with course lecturers
• A group assignment to apply your knowledge
• An in-person Colloquium on 10 October in Amsterdam, Netherlands for deeper engagement and networking

To successfully complete the in-depth track, participants must:

• Watch all lectures
• Complete all knowledge tests
• Attend at least 4 of the 6 live sessions
• Attend the in-person Colloquium on 10 October in Amsterdam
• Complete the group assignment

Prefer a lighter option and/or unable to attend the Colloquium? You can register for the on-demand track, which includes access to the video lectures and knowledge tests, and can be completed entirely at your own pace.

Lecture 1A - Introduction to depression: Current state of depression treatment (Andreas Reif, Germany) – Released 21 July 2025

Lecture 1B - Introduction to depression: Phenomenology, prevalence and impact (Brenda Penninx, The Netherlands) – Released 21 July 2025

Live session 1 – 1 September 16.00 CET

Lecture 2 - Pre-clinical models of depressive neurobehavioral states (Christopher Pryce, Switzerland) – Released 2 September 2025

Lecture 3 - (Epi)Genetics and neurobiology of depression (Elisabeth Binder, Germany) – Released 2 September 2025

Live session 2 – 22 September 16.00 CET

Colloquium Amsterdam – 10 October 14.30-19.30 – in-person

Lecture 4 - Environmental risk and resilience factors in depression (Christiaan Vinkers, The Netherlands) – Released 13 October 2025

Lecture 5 - Psychological treatments and depression impact (Pim Cuijpers, The Netherlands) – Released 13 October 2025

Live session 3 – 3 November 16.00 CET

Lecture 6 - Psychedelics and depression (Gitte Knudsen, Denmark) – 4 November 2025

Lecture 7 - Brain stimulation (rTMS, ECT, DBS) and depression (Jonathan Repple, Germany) – 4 November 2025

Live session 4 – 24 November 16.00 CET

Lecture 8 - Nutrition, microbiome and depression (John Cryan, Ireland) – 25 November 2025

Lecture 9 - Digital health intervention and depression (Inez Germeys, Belgium) – 25 November 2025

Live session 5 – 15 December 16.00 CET

Live session 6 – student presentations – 12 January 2026

Application to this course is available to all individuals with a myECNP account. If you do not yet have a myECNP account, please visit the ECNP website at ecnp.eu and navigate to the ‘myECNP’ tab.

• Application deadline: 3 July 2025
• Notification of acceptance: Before 21 July 2025
• Application requirements: A brief motivation statement and a short CV

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at knowledge-hub@ecnp.eu.