Mental Health

In 2025, BIH conducted a survey among all employees to find out more about the existing diversity and experiences of discrimination at the institute. The survey results directly informed the development of tailored diversity and inclusion measures together with the BIH community. One key finding highlighted the strong relevance of mental health, wellbeing, and inclusion, particularly among early-career researchers and structurally vulnerable groups.  

BIH is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of everyone working in our institution and wants to foster an inclusive and supportive work and research culture.  

For Support

Working in academia can be challenging from time to time. If you need support, check the BIH support structures (Intranet).  

For psychosocial emergency hotlines in Berlin, please click here 

BIH and Dragonfly Mental Health Programm 2026

At the beginning of 2026, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité initiated a one-year cooperation with Dragonfly Mental Health, supported by the Z Zurich Foundation. Dragonfly Mental Health is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellent mental health in academia. Developed “by academics, for academics,” Dragonfly combines evidence-based approaches, anti-stigma work, peer support, and systemic institutional change to address the unique mental health challenges within research and higher education environments. Together, BIH and Dragonfly are developing online and on-site programs and initiatives tailored to the needs of the BIH community. 

Axes of Action

  • 1. Participation and Monitoring

    To ensure that mental health initiatives at BIH are participatory, sustainable, and responsive to employees’ needs, BIH established the BIH Mental Health Culture Committee. The committee brings together colleagues from different working groups, career stages, and staff levels across BIH to strengthen an open culture around mental health within our institution.

    To further incorporate employees’ perspectives, the committee launched a brief survey in collaboration with Dragonfly Mental Health in April 2026. The survey aimed to identify the most relevant support measures and preferred formats, including online and on-site activities, to tailor future initiatives to the needs of the BIH community. 

  • 2. Raising Awareness

    Together with Dragonfly Mental Health, BIH is organizing a series of online talks and interactive workshops focused on mental health in academia. The program addresses topics such as wellbeing, stress, stigma, inclusion, and psychologically safer research environments.

  • 3. Legacy Building

    As part of our long term efforts, BIH and Dragonfly are developing an anti stigma film project to raise awareness about mental health challenges in academia and reduce barriers to seeking support. 

  • 4. Building Community

    As a future step, BIH aims to support the development of peer support and community based mental health networks that encourage connection, mutual support, and shared learning across the institution.

Program

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