european psychiatric association

Leadership Academy

About the Leadership Academy

The EPA Leadership Academy is an educational initiative developed jointly by the EPA Early Career Psychiatrists’ Committee and the Committee on Education. It aims to empower psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists across Europe by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles in clinical, academic, organisational and advocacy settings.

Through an engaging and interactive learning experience, the Leadership Academy provides participants with opportunities to develop their leadership potential, exchange experiences with colleagues from across Europe and build connections within the European psychiatric community.

Learning Objectives

The Leadership Academy aims to support participants in developing essential leadership and professional competencies, including:

  • Understanding leadership theories, styles and ethical frameworks.
  • Strengthening communication, interpersonal and team management skills.
  • Developing skills in advocacy, mentoring and professional development.
  • Exploring leadership challenges in clinical, academic, organisational and healthcare settings.
  • Enhancing presentation, public speaking and audience engagement skills.
  • Promoting reflection, self-awareness and self-care as essential components of effective leadership.

Programme

The Leadership Academy combines expert-led teaching with practical, interactive activities to create an immersive learning environment. Depending on the edition, the programme may include:

  • Plenary lectures delivered by experienced leaders and experts in psychiatry.
  • Interactive workshops focused on real-world leadership challenges.
  • Case discussions, role-playing exercises and group activities.
  • Online educational resources and lectures delivered by EPA leaders and invited speakers.
  • Visits to European institutions and opportunities to explore mental health policy and advocacy at a European level.

This blended approach encourages participants to apply their learning, exchange perspectives and develop practical skills that can be transferred to their professional lives.

This event has been organised in the last two years under the auspices of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Who Is It For?

The Leadership Academy is designed for psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists who are interested in developing their leadership skills and contributing to the future of psychiatry.

Eligibility requirements, application procedures and registration details are specified for each edition.

A European Community of Future Leaders

Beyond its educational objectives, the EPA Leadership Academy provides a valuable opportunity for participants to connect with colleagues from different countries, share experiences and establish professional relationships across Europe.

By fostering collaboration, leadership development and engagement with the wider psychiatric community, the Academy contributes to supporting the next generation of leaders in European psychiatry.

Faculty

The Leadership Academy brings together distinguished professionals from across the field of psychiatry, mental health and leadership. Through their expertise and diverse perspectives, faculty members share valuable insights, practical knowledge and experience to support participants’ leadership development

Discover the faculty and speakers of the 2026 Leadership Academy: “Meet the Faculty”.

Eligibility

To apply, candidates must:

  • Be in possession of a Medical Doctor degree.
  • Have at least 4 years of training/work in psychiatry (or currently undertaking the 4th year of residency).
  • Be under the age of 40 or 5 years after passing the specialist exam (on the Leadership Academy dates).
  • Reside in a country included in the World Health Organisation Europe region.
  • Be fluent in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
  • Demonstrate an interest in psychiatric leadership, assessed through a CV and motivational letter.

Registration Fees

There are three categories of registration fees based on the list from the World Bank Country List.

  • Participants from lower-middle income countries: 165 €.
  • Participants from upper-middle income countries: 275 €.
  • Participants from high income countries: 330 €.

The EPA will cover your accommodation for the duration of the event. Lunches will be provided on site.

Application

Applications are currently closed

For any questions, please contact us at leadership.academy@europsy.net.