As part of the Youth-GEMs Science Cafés – interactive sessions where young people and researchers come together to exchange ideas – two exciting developments were recently presented.

Wellbeing App Co-Created With Young Experts

Margherita and Laura (from our Work Package 2) introduced a prototype of GEMMY, the self-assessment and wellbeing app developed with input from our young experts themselves. The app now features grounding tools like breathing exercises, calming sounds, and visualizations, as well as a positive affirmation tool that uses the phone’s camera as a mirror. Users can set personal goals and choose a voice for the affirmations. Other key features include an emotion wheel to better understand feelings, a panic button for urgent help, a discovery section to explore what works best, and a learning module on stress and the window of tolerance. Young experts were enthusiastic and felt their ideas were genuinely reflected. The team continues working on visuals, educational content, and implementation.

Exploring the Genetics Behind Autism

Philippa Wells (postdoctoral fellow at the University of Exeter) presented her research on epigenomics – how gene expression is regulated – with a focus on autism. Using ATAC-sequency technology, she investigates DNA regions that may affect brain function. Initial findings suggest certain sequences may be linked to autism, and early signs point to sex differences as well. The young experts were amazed about these new insights, even though they may be preliminary. The fact that there is a gene associated with autism was new to them and finding sex-differences was welcome information since most research on autism is focused on boys. They also raised ethical questions about how this knowledge might be used. Philippa emphasized the research’s goal: to better understand and support individuals with autism, while ensuring ethical discussions remain part of the process.

The Science Cafés are facilitated by Euro Youth Mental Health and aim to make science more accessible and youth-driven by giving young experienced experts a central role in shaping research and tools that directly impact their mental health and wellbeing. Are you interested in finding out more? Reach out to us via the contact form our webite.