Major Grant for Women’s Mental Health Creates New Opportunities for Research and Care
Uppsala University is launching two new research centres with long-term funding from Forte to strengthen mental health and women’s health. WHOLE – an interdisciplinary centre for women’s health – receives SEK 72 million and will work closely with WOMHER, the university’s centre for women’s mental health.
WHOLE – A New Centre for Women’s Health
WHOLE, led by Professor Alkistis Skalkidou at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, focuses on the intersection of reproductive transitions, mental illness, and pain – areas marked by knowledge gaps and fragmented care. Research includes conditions such as endometriosis and postpartum depression, where integrated solutions are urgently needed.
"With WHOLE, our goal is to adopt a truly holistic approach, integrating clinical, cultural, and existential perspectives. We aim to generate knowledge that enhances women’s health across the entire life course," says Alkistis Skalkidou.
The centre brings together researchers from 17 disciplines – spanning medicine, technology, social sciences, and the humanities – with an inclusive approach covering all stages of women’s lives.
Synergies with WOMHER
WHOLE complements WOMHER’s work on women’s mental health and opens new opportunities for collaboration. By combining expertise and creating shared platforms, these initiatives aim to drive knowledge, development and deliver solutions that make a real difference for women at every stage of life.
"WHOLE was initiated with strong engagement from WOMHER’s network and is led by our co-founder Alkistis Skalkidou. This investment enables us to bring stakeholders together, strengthen researchers – and create real change for women’s mental health," says Emma Hovén, Director of WOMHER.
Focus on Preventive Psychiatry
The second centre, Uppsala Centre for Preventive Psychiatry, receives SEK 47 million. Led by Professor Simon Cervenka, it will develop methods for early identification and preventive interventions for severe psychiatric conditions and suicide risk.
Background
Together, the two centres will receive SEK 119 million from Forte, ensuring long-term funding over six years. This initiative is part of a national priority to strengthen mental health and women’s health.
Text: Johanna Schuster
Alkistis Skalkidou, member of WOMHER’s management group and Professor at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health.
Emma Hovén, WOMHER’s Director and researcher at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health.