The Advisory Board (AB) is an independent advisory body that advises the research group “Healthy Minds” in its research activities and pays attention to the (scientific) quality of the research projects. The project scope and funding conditions should be kept in mind by the AB in discussion with the research team. The AB should support the research group to apply participatory research methods (such as Open Innovation in Science, Patient Public Involvement and Engagement, Co-Design, Action Research) to improve perinatal mental health care in Tyrol. It is desired that the AB ensures that research activities reflect and address the needs of the local community.

The Competence Group (CG) consists of experts with lived experience, i.e. parents who suffer or have suffered from perinatal mental illness. The CG consults as well as reflects on the planned measures and research activities with the research group. This is to ensure the involvement of affected persons throughout the research process and to represent their voice in the research. The CG meets regularly across the duration of the project.

The Principal Investigator (PI) leads the Research Group, consisting of Co-Investigators and a team in Austria; he or she is responsible for coordinating and handling research activities, and for budget and personnel matters. Twice each year, the PI provides the AB with a progress report on the Research Group and planned activities.

The Project Coordination Lead is responsible for overseeing the coordination and management various aspects of the project’s activities, ensuring effective organization and smooth operations, such as ensuring effective communication and collaboration among team members and managing ressources and timelines to ensure the project’s successful implementation.

The Participatory Research Unit Lead is dedicated to conducting research in a participatory manner, actively involving stakeholders such as community members, patients, or other relevant groups in the research process. He or she collaborates closely with these stakeholders to ensure their perspectives, experiences, and expertise are integrated into the research design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

The Stakeholder Engagement Unit Lead focusses on engaging and involving stakeholders throughout the project. He or she establishes and maintains relationships with stakeholders, such as community organizations, policymakers, healthcare providers, or advocacy groups. Their role is to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and meaningful participation of stakeholders in decision-making processes, project activities, and dissemination of research findings.

The Impact and Policy Unit Lead assesses the project’s impact by evaluating its outcomes, effects, and influence on various stakeholders and target populations. He or she also analyzes the policy implications of the research findings and advocate for the integration of these findings into relevant policies, practices, or interventions. Her or his aim is to ensure that the project’s outcomes have a tangible and lasting impact on the field or issue being addressed.

The Public Awareness Unit Lead is responsible for raising public awareness about the project and its relevance. He or she develops and implements communication and outreach strategies to disseminate project findings, engage the public, and promote understanding and support for the project’s goals. Whose activities may include organizing events, creating educational materials, utilizing media channels, and engaging with the public through various platforms.

These researchers have expertise in specific areas or topics relevant to the project. They provide specialized knowledge, advice, and guidance to the project team based on their expertise. Their role is to contribute insights, conduct literature reviews, analyze data, and provide recommendations in their specific areas of expertise to enhance the project’s quality and impact.

This group consists of stakeholders who are involved in an ongoing and continuous advisory capacity throughout the project’s duration. They offer guidance, feedback, and input to the project team based on their expertise and perspectives. The advisory group’s role is to provide insights, ensure stakeholder representation, and contribute to decision-making processes, ensuring that the project remains aligned with the needs and interests of relevant stakeholders.