At Science Café 43, researchers and young experts came together to exchange ideas about a potential new research initiative that builds on the knowledge, collaborations and infrastructure developed through Youth-GEMs. By involving young experts at this early stage, the research team aimed to ensure that the voices and experiences of young people help shape future research from the very beginning.
The session opened with an introduction by Bart Rutten, Coordinator of the Youth-GEMs study, who presented the overall vision for the proposed initiative. The research aims to explore how experiences in early life may influence mental health and wellbeing across the lifespan by making use of existing research data. Bart emphasised that, although the project includes biological research, its focus remains firmly on mental health in the broadest sense, recognising that wellbeing is shaped by the interaction between the individual, their environment and their life experiences.
Researchers from several European institutions then introduced different elements of the proposed research. They explained the concept of epigenetics (how environmental influences can affect the activity of our genes without changing our DNA) and how this may help researchers better understand the relationship between early life experiences and later mental health. The team also shared how long-term population studies, including large research cohorts, provide valuable insights into how wellbeing and mental health develop over time. Another presentation focused on proteins, explaining how they offer additional information about the body’s response to both genetic and environmental influences. Together, these different sources of information may help researchers better understand why some young people appear more resilient to adversity than others.
One of the most engaging discussions of this Science Café centred on a simple but thought-provoking question: If a blood sample could provide information about your future health, what would you want to know? Rather than focusing solely on illness, the young experts highlighted outcomes that matter most in everyday life, such as emotional wellbeing, healthy coping skills, supportive relationships, education, employment and overall quality of life. They also reflected on the possible benefits and challenges of receiving personal predictions, noting that while such information could be empowering, it might also create unnecessary worry. The group agreed that any future tools should give people control over what information they receive and present results in a clear, personalised and supportive way. The conversation also explored the importance of open science. Young experts asked how future research findings and tools could remain openly accessible while ensuring they are used responsibly and not exploited for inappropriate commercial purposes.
Science Café 43 once again demonstrated the value of involving young people from the earliest stages of research. Their questions, reflections and lived experiences challenged researchers to think not only about what future studies should investigate, but also about how research can remain meaningful, responsible and focused on improving the lives of young people.
