The Annual SOLID Project Meeting and City Health Conference, organized by the National Institute of Mental Health, Shanghai Mental Health Center (SMHC), and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences from Germany, took place in Shanghai from April 23rd to 26th, 2024.
The conferences focused on significant issues and the latest research advancements in substance addiction. Professionals from various disciplines including social work, psychology, and psychiatry attended the event, representing countries such as Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. The conferences provided a platform for academic exchange and collaboration.
During the opening ceremony, Professor Zhao Min, the director of SMHC, and Professor Heino from Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences delivered opening speeches. Professor Zhao introduced the organization and development plans of SMHC, expressing the desire for increased international cooperation and exchange in the future.
The first day of the conferences featured a presentation on the SOLID project by Professor Ingo from Germany, along with updates on the project's progress and future plans by Researcher Ulla. Subsequent days included workshops where participants shared academic research skills, with a focus on peer review processes and self-improvement for researchers.
On the fourth day, the participants visited the Methadone Clinic in Xuhui District in the morning and engaged in discussions with grassroots clinic workers. In the afternoon, they visited Changning Mental Health Center, conducting research on the psychological services center of Changning District and discussing addiction intervention techniques, outcomes, and experiences in social psychological services in Changning District.
The final day featured the City Health Conference, themed "Challenges in Mental Health, Social Work, and Lifestyle." Discussions addressed the current challenges in mental health and addiction treatment in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and low- and middle-income countries. Social work professionals shared their work practices and experiences, and the relationship between lifestyle and health behaviors was explored in the context of alcohol, tobacco, weight management, and gaming.
