At Science Café #30, Young Experts and researchers worked together on the values of the project, the working agreement, and how we communicate Youth-GEMs to the wider world.
Updating the Working Agreement
Since new Young Experts joined the project, everyone has been invited to edit the working agreement. The group reflected on the values they find essential in Youth-GEMs: being true to yourself & authentic, inclusivity & openness, feeling safe to ask questions and transparency & respect. One young expert suggested adding more responsibility for researchers: they should avoid only using academic language and instead provide enough context so everything feels accessible.
Communication & Dissemination: Making Youth Voices Heard
Flore Joskin (Communication Manager at Maastricht University) presented updates from Work Package 2 on communication and dissemination. She emphasized that Youth-GEMs is not just about research; it’s about making sure young people’s voices truly shape tools, science, and policy around youth mental health. Flore also shared that Youth-GEMs’ approach to youth participation will be presented in a workshop at the ESCAP European conference for psychiatrists and clinicians. Of course, this workshop will be given by a Young Expert together with Ella Sheltawy (Engagement Facilitator at Euro Youth Mental Health) and Flore herself.
The communication team of Youth-GEMs is working to spread research impact both inside and outside the project. Their goals include:
Using a Mentimeter, Young Experts reflected on how best to communicate Youth-GEMs to their peers and communities. Some of their ideas included using social media together with influencers and hosting “meet the researchers” events. They would prefer fun and accessible updates rather than only formal news. Pop-up stands at concerts or festivals would also work to share new insights about youth mental health.
This Science Café highlighted the importance of values, accessibility, and creativity in Youth-GEMs. By shaping agreements, refining communication, and sharing ideas, young people ensure that the project is inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
Updating the Working Agreement
Since new Young Experts joined the project, everyone has been invited to edit the working agreement. The group reflected on the values they find essential in Youth-GEMs: being true to yourself & authentic, inclusivity & openness, feeling safe to ask questions and transparency & respect. One young expert suggested adding more responsibility for researchers: they should avoid only using academic language and instead provide enough context so everything feels accessible.
Communication & Dissemination: Making Youth Voices Heard
Flore Joskin (Communication Manager at Maastricht University) presented updates from Work Package 2 on communication and dissemination. She emphasized that Youth-GEMs is not just about research; it’s about making sure young people’s voices truly shape tools, science, and policy around youth mental health. Flore also shared that Youth-GEMs’ approach to youth participation will be presented in a workshop at the ESCAP European conference for psychiatrists and clinicians. Of course, this workshop will be given by a Young Expert together with Ella Sheltawy (Engagement Facilitator at Euro Youth Mental Health) and Flore herself.
The communication team of Youth-GEMs is working to spread research impact both inside and outside the project. Their goals include:
- Increasing public awareness
- Creating tools to engage stakeholders (teachers, clinicians, policy makers, young people & parents)
- Fostering collaboration with other projects
Using a Mentimeter, Young Experts reflected on how best to communicate Youth-GEMs to their peers and communities. Some of their ideas included using social media together with influencers and hosting “meet the researchers” events. They would prefer fun and accessible updates rather than only formal news. Pop-up stands at concerts or festivals would also work to share new insights about youth mental health.
This Science Café highlighted the importance of values, accessibility, and creativity in Youth-GEMs. By shaping agreements, refining communication, and sharing ideas, young people ensure that the project is inclusive, accessible, and impactful.
