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The research topic of “Translation & Intervention” focuses on bridging the gap between basic research findings and practical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychiatric disorders. Our group works at the interface of cognitive neuropsychiatry and clinical services, aiming to translate neurobiological and dimensional insights into interventions that are both mechanistically informed and clinically feasible.

One strand of this work involves developing and validating imaging and cognitive markers that can inform individualized risk assessment and treatment planning. For example, structural MRI metrics, network-based measures, and dimensional symptom profiles are evaluated as potential predictors of treatment response or course of illness. By integrating such markers into clinical decision-making, the field might one day move beyond one-size-fits-all approaches towards more personalized care.

Another focus is on early detection and intervention in high-risk states for psychosis and affective disorders. Building on the “Dimensions & Spectra” and “Resilience & Adaptation” themes, our group explores how subclinical symptoms, cognitive changes, and imaging findings can be combined to identify individuals at elevated risk who may benefit from targeted preventive strategies. This includes collaborative work within larger research networks and clinical services.

In addition, our group contributes to the adaptation and refinement of psychotherapeutic and psychosocial interventions by studying underlying cognitive and neurobiological models. Insights into network dynamics, cognitive control, and emotion regulation processes can be used to formulate hypotheses about mechanisms of change in psychotherapeutical and psychopharmacological approaches – e.g. how different therapeutic approaches might change dysfunctional brain network patterns or enhance compensatory circuits.

By participating in national and international research consortia and collaborative research centres, our team works to help aligning basic and clinical research agendas, leverage large datasets, and disseminate best practices. The overarching ambition is to ensure that advances in understanding brain and behaviour ultimately lead to tangible benefits for people affected by mental illness.