The purpose of the new National Research Centre is to provide a historic boost to Danish research in clinical psychiatry—one that, over time, can lead to a better understanding of why and how mental illness develops, while also improving the treatment of people living with mental disorders.

Based on this vision, two key focus areas have been identified for the centre’s research activities. These areas are partially overlapping and will be further specified during 2026, when a comprehensive research strategy for the centre will be developed:

• Mental illness from a neurodevelopmental perspective

  This area focuses on understanding the causes and progression of mental illness from the fetal stage through to adulthood, with an emphasis on earlier detection, prevention, and treatment.

• Improved treatment for patients who do not currently respond to existing therapies

  This area focuses on treatment options after the onset of illness and targets the large group of patients who do not respond adequately to current treatments. It also encompasses research into the underlying disease mechanisms and treatment in the broadest sense.

Next Steps

As part of the recruitment process for the centre’s future director, the final candidate for the position will be appointed in spring 2026. The appointed director will subsequently be responsible for developing a research strategy for the new research centre.

The ambition is for this strategy to bring together researchers from different disciplines, breaking down silos and uniting efforts around a common goal. The centre will also build on the strong research environments that already exist—both in Denmark and internationally. As such, during spring and summer 2026, the incoming director will engage in dialogue with national and international research communities to explore opportunities for collaboration.

The final research strategy for the centre is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.​