We welcome Christina M. Luberto, Ph.D., from Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA, as the speaker for the MBMRC Guest Lecture at August 26^th 2026, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF).

Title: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Emotional Well-being After Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection 

Time: 18:00h - 19:15h (CET) 

Join online: https://uni-wh-de.zoom.us/j/83780630863?pwd=ZrLVzta5NoRfCDRQOqGmU2qkWe6HsR.1

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a common cause of acute cardiac events which primarily affects healthy young women with no traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Given the sudden and unpredictable onset, SCAD survivors frequently struggle with fear of recurrence, social isolation, and difficulty engaging in physical activity. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is an evidence-based group intervention combining mindfulness meditation training and cognitive behavioral therapy, which has evidence to improve emotional, social, and behavioral health outcomes. This presentation will focus on the adaptation of MBCT for SCAD survivors, early preliminary results of a pilot study of adapted MBCT for SCAD survivors, and implementation into clinical practice as part of an embedded behavioral cardiology program for women with heart disease in an academic medical center in the United States. 

We welcome Prof. Dr. Andreas M. Krafft, from University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, as the speaker for the MBMRC Guest Lecture at May 20^th 2026, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF).

Title: Our Hopes, our Fears, our Future - Individual and collective effects on health and well-being 

Abstract: The current experiences of a crisis-ridden world have fundamentally shaken many people´s belief and trust in a better future. This triggers negative feelings of fear and helplessness and has a massive impact on mental health, especially among young people. Against this background, the question is whether there is still reason for hope and, if so, what keeps our hope alive? Given the existential and multi-layered nature of hope, we integrate concepts of positive psychology and futures studies into a comprehensive model of hope. We report on research findings from the International Hope Barometer Research Program, gathered over the past 10 years in several countries, and provide valuable insights into people´s future expectations, their hopes and fears for the individual and common future, and their psychological and social well-being.  

We welcome Prof. Dr. Karin Meißner, from Coburg University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Germany, as the speaker for the MBMRC Guest Lecture at February 25^th 2026, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF).

Title: Healing by Context: Placebo Effects Across Psychological and Somatic Dimensions

Abstract: Placebo effects arise from the interplay of biological, psychological, and social processes within the clinical context. This lecture illustrates how expectations, verbal suggestions, treatment rituals, and sensory cues shape symptom perception in domains such as pain, nausea, and appetite. Drawing on neurobiological, psychophysiological, and molecular evidence, it explains how top-down expectancy processes interact with autonomic, hormonal, and inflammatory pathways. The findings support a multidimensional model of contextual healing that elucidates how cognitive meaning is translated into both symptomatic and biological change. Implications for an evidence-based, context-sensitive clinical practice are discussed.

We welcome Leigh A. Frame, Ph.D., MHS, from the George Washington University, DC, as the speaker for the MBMRC Guest Lecture at November 19^th 2025, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF)

Title: Connecting the Gut to the Mind: The Microbiome-Gut-Brain Axis

Abstract: The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, profoundly influences various body systems, including the intricate Microbiome-Gut-Brain-Immune Interface. This lecture will introduce the bidirectional communication pathways within this axis, encompassing nervous, endocrine, and immune signaling. We will explore how dietary patterns can transiently or significantly alter microbiota composition. The impact of diverse diets, healthy fats, and potential roles of prebiotics and psychobiotics will be discussed. The talk will highlight current research and its links to mental health and functional gastrointestinal disorders. 

We welcome Michelle Dossett, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. from the University of California, USA, as the speaker for the MBMRC Guest Lecture at August 27^th 2025, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF).

Title: Mind-Body Skills Training to Improve Clinician Well-Being: Results from the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) Program

Abstract: Multiple studies demonstrate that mind-body programs can reduce physician stress and improve well-being.  However, there is large heterogeneity in these programs and limited data on long-term effectiveness.  Dr. Dossett will present data from three different studies of the 8-session Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) Program collected at two different academic medical centers at three different times (pre-COVID, COVID-onset, and a couple of years into the pandemic). Findings include significant reductions in perceived stress and burnout and improved well-being up to six months following program completion. We also discuss some of the challenges associated with conducting this type of research.

Join us for the first edition of this hybrid event series:

Happily, we welcome Simon Weissenberger, Ph.D., from the University of New York in Prague as the first speaker for the opening of a series of MBMRC Guest Lectures at May 21^st 2025, hosted by the Institute of Integrative Health Care and Health Promotion (IGVF).

Title: ADHD: Lifestyle, Dietary Supplementation and Conventional Treatments

Abstract: ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a variety of cognitive, behavioral and biological components. Unhealthy foods, problematic digital use (smartphone, social media, games) and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to worsening of symptoms. Pharmacological therapies along with talk therapy have been found to be very effective ways of managing ADHD. Furthermore, research on the role of nutritional supplements such as fatty acids, lifestyle interventions such as time management and incorporating physical exercise in daily routines have been found  to be effective adjuvants to conventional treatments and the most effective combination. This is due to their effect on the biological aspects of ADHD that are commonly recognized today such as hormonal differences and higher inflammatory markers in those with ADHD compared to the general public. Future areas of research will be discussed along with technological interventions to manage the disorder.