Inaugural ARMS annual report highlights a year of success

The Centre for Advanced Research on Mental Health and Society (ARMS) may only be a year old, but, as its first annual report shows, it has already hit the ground running.

Launched in January 2023 as a formal research centre in the Faculty of Social Sciences, ARMS is dedicated to better understanding the how society impacts mental health. Although young, the centre has already produced a wealth of activity, including eight research projects, five public events, several successful funding opportunities, two community-engaged research internships and a student journal.

“We are incredibly proud of our achievements in this first year,” said Marisa Young, director of ARMS.“ Launching a new initiative always comes with its challenges, yet thanks to our outstanding team at ARMS, we have exceeded many of our initial expectations.”

View the full annual report.

View the individual research projects.

What’s next?

In the short term, ARMS is hosting a Mental Health Research Symposium on May 1 and 2. Find out more about that event here.

Looking further ahead, the centre plans to introduce a fellowship program for a one recent equity-deserving doctoral graduate from McMaster to participate in high-impact research, scholarship, and pedagogy that promotes EDI perspectives in societal mental health.

“ARMS is rapidly expanding, with increasing student interest and growing membership every day,” said Young. “We’re excited to continue our vital work, supporting faculty and students who are committed to better understanding the societal impacts on mental health.”