Events

 Thursday, April 23: 9am EDT Many research findings do not ultimately influence policy. In this talk, Dr. Kalani will describe the current practice of translating research into policy within the mental health field, highlighting key barriers and opportunities that affect the utilization of research evidence in policymaking. The discussion will conclude with practical recommendations on how to strengthen the translation of research findings into policy and practice. Dr. Kenneth Kalani Okware is a Psychiatrist and Senior Medical Officer in the Mental Health Division of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, with additional expertise in policy analysis and development. A former Fellow of the Kofi Annan Global Health Leadership Fellowship Program, he has over a decade of experience in clinical mental health care and in the leadership, planning, and coordination of national mental…

On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Duke Center for Global Mental Health hosted its 2nd Annual Conference, doubling participation from its inaugural year and welcoming more than 300 attendees from 51 institutions across 12 countries, including 169 members of the Duke community. The conference centered on the theme, Now More Than Ever: Addressing the Global Imperative of Mental Health Equity, reflecting the urgency of a moment marked by funding uncertainty, persistent disparities, and increased global need to support the mental health of individuals and populations. The conference program included presentations from three distinguished keynote speakers- Kathy Sikkema, Emily Cherenack, and Florence Jaguga- as well as 50 poster presentations and 6 symposia addressing a wide range of topics in global mental health. Key themes included the importance of “thinking bigger” about…

The Duke Center for Global Mental Health held its inaugural annual conference on October 8, 2024, drawing over 125 faculty, trainees, and professionals committed to addressing mental health disparities both locally and globally. In honor of World Mental Health Month, the conference focused on the theme, ‘Building a Global Mental Health Community: Research, Practice, and Policy Across Disciplines’. Highlights from the day included an interdisciplinary panel, plenary research presentations, and symposia addressing a range of topics, from adolescent mental health to community-based treatment implementation, and innovative research designs for global mental health trials. The conference also highlighted 30 poster presentations from undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, representing a broad range of departments at Duke.  Recordings from the sessions, as well as other information from the conference, can be found at…