ARMS 2024/25 Annual Report highlights a year of growth, collaboration and student leadership

The Centre for Advanced Research on Mental Health and Society (ARMS) has released its second annual report, highlighting another year of socially grounded mental health research at McMaster.

In 2024/25, ARMS strengthened its role as an interdisciplinary hub, advancing projects that bridge academic inquiry with community engagement. From national e-mental health initiatives to local arts-based studies, the centre’s work reflects its commitment to exploring the social, structural and institutional factors that shape mental well-being.

Highlights from the report include:

• Expanding research priorities to address emerging challenges, including the mental health impacts of climate change—through collaboration with Advisory Board member Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik, a former McMaster Postdoctoral Fellow.
• Exploring new interdisciplinary collaborations on pressing issues, with recent conversations between ARMS Director Marisa Young and MCREW focusing on the mental health and employment impacts of tariffs on Ontario industry, as well as the broader consequences of political and economic uncertainty between Canada and the U.S.
• Community-engaged events, such as the inaugural Mental Health Research Symposium, the Being Family film screening and panel, and the annual Resilience and Connection student art exhibit.
• New partnerships and membership growth, including the addition of core members like Dr. Ingrid Waldron, HOPE Chair in Peace and Health.

Looking ahead, ARMS plans to expand its membership base, develop new student training resources and pursue sustainable funding to strengthen its long-term impact.

Young said that the hard work put in by staff and partners meant the centre was able to grow from strength to strength.

“We’ve expanded collaborations, grown student leadership opportunities, and broadened our community-engaged initiatives— bringing mental health research into meaningful dialogue with lived experience and creative expression,” said Young.

“None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, members, students, and partners. Thank you for continuing to shape this growing research community.”

Read the full report on the ARMS website.