Integrate mental health considerations into crisis management in Belgium

Integrating mental health and scientific evidence into Belgian crisis management through science-policy collaboration. Integrate Mental Health Considerations into Crisis Management in Belgium The THRIVE Study Day on 10 December is a unique opportunity to bring science and policy together around a shared ambition: better preparing Belgium for future crises. The event builds on the findings of the THRIVE – Taking Stock to Foster Health and Trust for an Inclusive Post-Covid Society research project, funded by Belspo, and aims to transform scientific knowledge into concrete policy action. By creating a space for dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, the study day will showcase the project's key findings and explore how evidence can better inform crisis preparedness, response and recovery. Through discussions on motivational drivers, mental health and trust in public authorities, participants will collaboratively develop recommendations to strengthen evidence-informed decision-making. Ultimately, the day seeks to foster a lasting science-policy partnership that ensures the knowledge generated by the THRIVE – Taking Stock to Foster Health and Trust for an Inclusive Post-Covid Society project contributes meaningfully to future crisis governance in Belgium. PROVISIONAL PROGRAM 9:00 – 9h30 | Welcome Coffee 9:30–12:30 | Plenary session (open to the public) 9h15-9h45 Welcome and introduction Marius Gilbert, Vice-Rector for Research, Université libre de Bruxelles Olivier Luminet, Thrive principal investigator, Université Catholique de Louvain 9h45-10h45 Mobilising motivational drivers in crisis management and communication Joachim Waterschout, Universiteit Gent discussing with Cathy Berx Governor of Antwerp Province and Erika Vlieghe Institue of tropical medicine 10h45-11h Coffee break 11h-12h Integrating mental health into crisis preparedness and management Robin Wollast, Université catholique de Louvain discussing with Olivier Schmitz, Governor of Luxembourg Province 12h-13h Building and sustaining trust in public authorities Magali Beylat, Université libre de Bruxelles discussing with Jorgen Stassijns, Sciensano. 13h-14h | Lunch 14h-16h30 | Policy Roundtables (dedicated to researchers and policymakers) 14h-15h15 Roundtables 15h30-16h30 Feedback and general discussions on policy recommendations