Inspiring discussions and new collaborations at the Horizon Europe Coordinators’ Days in Brussels

The Inclusive Society Unit (C.1) of the European Research Executive Agency (REA) organized the Coordinators’ Days on 14-15 September 2026 in Brussels. The event brought together coordinators of newly funded Horizon Europe projects and provided valuable insights into Science for Policy activities as well as practical guidance for successful Horizon Europe project implementation.

I had the pleasure of participating in the event as the coordinator of the SUPPORT-Y project (SUPPORT-Y | Supporting the Mental Health of Youth). One highlight was the opportunity to meet our Project Officer and Policy Officer in person. Although we had already been in contact by email, face-to-face discussions allowed us to establish a stronger connection. It was also encouraging to experience the supportive atmosphere and commitment of the REA representatives towards helping projects achieve their objectives.

The event also provided a valuable platform for networking with coordinators and project management professionals from other Horizon Europe projects. As a project funded under the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society programme and the topic Improving Mental Health Outcomes for People in Education, Training and Work (https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL2-2025-01-TRANSFO-08), SUPPORT-Y will work closely together with two sister projects addressing similar societal challenges across Europe.

Through the project pitches and discussions during the event, it became clear that all three projects share a strong commitment to improving mental health and wellbeing among young people in education, training, and work. While each project brings its own unique perspective and expertise, there is a genuine willingness to learn from one another and collaborate towards creating meaningful and lasting impact at the European level. I look forward to working together with the sister projects, project officers, and stakeholders across Europe to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

Kaisa Pihlainen presenting the SUPPORT-Y project on Coordinators' Day at 15 September 2026 in Brussels
Kaisa Pihlainen presenting the SUPPORT-Y project at the Coordinators’ Day event in Brussels on 15 September 2026.

Links to sister projects:

SUPPORTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUTH IN EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK | SUPPORT-Y | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission

Scalable approach to mental illness and self-harm prevention online | SAMPO | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission

Together for Mental Health: A scalable, participatory and evidence-based mental health toolbox for Europe | Together4MH | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission