TOUCH (Towards the generation of excellent young doctoral researchers in inter-sectoral & transdisciplinary approach) involves several university departments, the CORE in Mental Health and seven UAB Sphere institutions: Centre for Demographic Studies, Centre for Mathematical Research, Computer Vision Centre, Health and Ageing Foundation, Parc Taulí Institute for Research and Innovation, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau Research Institute, and the Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).

On behalf of the VHIR, two projects are involved:

Intergenerational transmission of psychopathology: Effects of parental genotypes and Towards precision medicine in ADHD and depression: a genetic approach. Led by Dr. José Antonio Ramos Quiroga, Dra. Maria Soler and Dr. Marta Ribasés, from the Psychiatry, mental health and addictions group of the VHIR.

The second call will be open from 2 February to 31 March 2025. A total of 11 posts are available. Applicants will be able to choose from more than 20 research project proposals in four areas: Fostering mental health and wellbeing across lifespan, transdisciplinary approach to mental health & wellbeing determinants, multilevel strategies for assessment and intervention in mental health & wellbeing: from genomics to personomics, governance in mental health systems: participation, education, and community.

Recruited fellows will be offered a three-year contract and a gross salary of €2,375 per month, and will be able to conduct research in a multidisciplinary, multicultural and stimulating research training environment, with access to state-of-the-art equipment. 

Selected candidates will also participate in a comprehensive training programme, including workshops, hands-on schools, and retreats on transversal and scientific competences, focusing on research and personal and professional development.

All the information regarding the programme, application and evaluation process, eligibility criteria and research projects available in this Call can be found in the project’s webpage: https://webs.uab.cat/touch/call/

On February 10th, the TOUCH Program will host its second information day, a virtual event designed for potential doctoral candidates. The event will start at 10:00 and consists of two parts. First, your project director will give a comprehensive presentation about the program, followed by a second interactive part where potential candidates can ask questions. Questions can also be submitted in advance via the registration form.

Thanks to the first call of this programme, thirteen PhD students have already joined the UAB and its collaborating research institutes.