On June 2–3, 2025, the WP5 Partners' Workshop “Bridging Evidence to Policy” took place in Paris at the French Ministry of Health. The event gathered THCS WP5 partners, policymakers, and researchers for a productive two-day exchange designed to reflect on progress, align strategies, and co-develop the next steps of the annual work programme.
The objective of the workshop was to enable all partners involved in WP5 activities to collaborate more closely and to consolidate key developments from previous meetings — including the workshops held in Naples and Bucharest in early 2025. The focus was on strengthening collective strategy, co-deciding future actions, and reinforcing the engagement of all stakeholders involved.
The agenda combined a variety of interactive formats — brainstorming sessions, roundtables, workshops, a guest dialogue, and a study visit — to facilitate meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. Sessions addressed the core pillars of WP5: the development of the toolbox for evidence-informed policymaking, the design of the 2026 Master Class, strategies for valorizing research outcomes, and the creation of new engagement formats with decision-makers.
A key feature of the workshop was the opportunity for WP5 partners to invite policymakers and researchers directly involved in the formulation and implementation of public policy. Their participation brought critical insights into the practical relevance and impact of WP5 activities, ensuring alignment with real-world needs across national, regional, and local contexts.
Opening the event, Mr. Yannick Neuder, Minister for Health and Access to Care, underscored the value of collaboration in strengthening evidence-based policy. He praised THCS for building bridges between research and decision-making communities.
Among the highlights of the event were presentations of three innovative projects funded under the THCS JTC2023 call “Healthcare of the Future”, delivered by Tara Donker, Emma Clarke-Deelder, and Laurent Boyer:
- Zéro OCD – using augmented reality for app-based CBT for OCD, paired with economic and clinical evaluations.
- AAPEHS – examining youth and adult perspectives on European health system performance in four countries.
- EU-MIND – improving physical and mental health outcomes for individuals with severe mental illness.
Panel discussions delved into the importance of policy-oriented research and creating a shared culture between researchers and policymakers. These exchanges reaffirmed the need for inclusive, interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure research effectively informs public policy.
One major output of the workshop was the co-design of the WP5 Master Class framework, an innovative capacity-building format aimed at empowering decision-makers with tools to apply evidence in policy development. The first Master Class will take place in 2026, focusing on primary and community care.
In addition, the “Morning Café” session served as a pilot for a more informal, interactive exchange format. Dr. Pierre Arwidson and Ms. Laetitia Gouffé-Benadiba shared their institutional experiences, then engaged participants in an open conversation on bridging the gap between research and policy implementation.
The workshop concluded with a study visit to the Paris Brain Institute, a leading center in neuroscience. Participants learned about cutting-edge research on Primary Orthostatic Tremor presented by Prof. Lehericy, including promising findings on trans-spinal electrical stimulation as a non-invasive treatment approach.
These two days offered a crucial space to reflect on achievements, engage with decision-makers, and co-develop next steps. They reinforced the shared commitment of WP5 partners to build stronger links between evidence and policy, while paving the way for future actions.
The next WP5 meeting will take place on October 7–8, 2025, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.