EPA-EU GEI Conference

The relationship between mental ill health and the environment is extremely topical. With the novel concept of "extended mind" - the notion that the mind is not "in" the brain but rather is a reflection of the causal interaction between cerebral representations and the environment - epidemiology urgently needs to devise novel ways to study onset of ill health from the environmental mind perspective. In addition, even though molecular genetic studies of psychiatric phenotypes have remained remarkably inconclusive, much of the genetic contribution to mental ill health and resilience may exert powerful effects through the environment. Furthermore, the effects of the environment on psychological mechanisms, the epigenome and brain structure and function can now be studied and brought together by interested epidemiologists. The challenge of combining all these perspectives for the purpose of research and treatment will be addressed during this conference. Top researchers and students together will endeavour to create clarity and bring the field forward.

For registration and more information about the scientific and social programme please visit the website:

http://www.epa-epidemiology2012.eu