Mental illnesses have traditionally been treated, and continue to be treated, with psychotherapy, medication, and even alternative therapies, often in combination. Among the most common treatments are medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. However, given the number of side effects that patients experience when taking these medications, researchers are now looking for alternatives. This is where nutrition-based interventions come into play.
This is one of the key questions explored in the second episode of the second series of Science With A View, one of the PRBB’s podcasts. The link between diet and mental health is attracting growing interest within the scientific community. An increasing number of studies suggest that what we eat can influence metabolic processes linked to depression and anxiety. In this episode, researchers Camille Lassale from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) and Gabriela Lugon from Hospital del Mar Research Institute (HMRIB) unpack this evidence, drawing on large cohort studies and epidemiological data to explore how diet quality, socio-economic factors and behavioural aspects intersect in shaping mental well-being.
The chapter also reflects on what it means to build a long-term academic career. As a cross-cutting theme, the episode also reflects on what it takes to build a lasting career in academia. From navigating grant-dependent funding and publication pressure to addressing persistent structural inequalities, the conversation highlights the realities faced by many researchers today. In the final section, the ‘Voice of the PRBB’, members of our community share their perspectives on how to take the next step in their careers and how academic systems might evolve to better support long-term, sustainable research paths.
Listen now to this episode of ‘Science With A View’ and let us know in the comments: what do you need to do to climb the next step of the academic ladder?
