The researcher will participate in the debate on youth mental health and well-being in the digital age
Miguel Ferreira, a researcher at the Human Neurobehavioral Laboratory (HNL) and a PhD student in Applied Psychology at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (FEP-UCP), is the only Portuguese representative from the Transform4Europe Alliance selected for the prestigious European Student Assembly 2025 (ESA25). The event, held at the European Parliament in Strasbourg from 26 to 28 May 2025, brings together students from European University Alliances to discuss innovative solutions to global challenges.
Miguel Ferreira’s selection is a remarkable achievement, considering that only 10% of applicants secured a place at ESA25. Among the 67 students from Universidade Católica Portuguesa who applied, Miguel was the sole candidate chosen, standing out for his academic journey and research at the intersection of Psychology, Neuroscience, and public policy.
A key discussion on youth mental health in the digital age
The 2025 edition of ESA will feature eight thematic panels, addressing issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, inclusion, and mental health. Miguel Ferreira will be part of Panel 1 – "Mentally (Un)Stable", one of the event’s central debates, focusing on the challenges of youth mental health and well-being in the digital era.
For Miguel, this is a unique opportunity to turn knowledge into action. "Psychology plays a crucial role in shaping more effective public policies. What excites me most about this experience is the possibility of working with students from different backgrounds and cultures, fostering an exchange of perspectives that enriches the development of innovative solutions and policies applicable at a European level," the researcher explains.
Science and policy decision-making: a path of impact
Miguel Ferreira’s academic and scientific journey was key to his selection. His PhD research, supervised by Patrícia Oliveira-Silva (Vice-Director and Lecturer at FEP-UCP and Director of HNL), alongside Ignacio Cifre (Blanquerna - Universitat Ramon Llull - Spain) and Zaheer Hussain (Nottingham Trent University - UK), focuses on the use of neuroimaging and neuromarkers to optimise interventions in substance use and addictive behaviours — a topic directly related to the impact of stimulus overload on mental health.
Moreover, his research on digital addiction and his practical work with vulnerable populations have given him a deep understanding of the challenges young people face in the context of accelerated digitalisation. This academic and professional foundation will enable him to "contribute to the panel with well-informed, evidence-based proposals, helping to develop effective policy recommendations for the European Union," he states.
"At HNL, we work to ensure that Neuroscience and Psychology have an impact beyond laboratories, research papers, or conferences. Miguel Ferreira’s participation in ESA25 is a recognition of the value of these two fields in creating real solutions for society," highlights Patrícia Oliveira-Silva.
Challenges and expectations for ESA25
For Miguel Ferreira, the diversity of thought at ESA25 will be one of the most enriching aspects of the experience. "Working with colleagues from different cultural and disciplinary backgrounds will allow me to integrate new approaches into my research and professional practice," he states.
"One of the challenges will be time management, but this phase is essential to ensure that the proposals presented are relevant and impactful for the European Union," he explains.
From research to change: a commitment to mental health
Miguel Ferreira believes that participating in ESA25 will have a lasting impact on his professional journey. "This experience will allow me to develop essential skills, expand my network, and strengthen my ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world solutions. I want to contribute to more effective and inclusive public policies in the field of mental health, and this assembly is a crucial step towards that," he concludes.
The HNL Director reinforces her pride in Miguel’s selection. "When I see our researchers representing Portugal in international forums, I feel that our country is shaping brilliant minds for the future. ESA25 brings together Europe’s top talents to debate crucial challenges, and it is a privilege to see one of our researchers representing HNL and FEP-UCP in this space. We need scientific and young voices in public policy-making. Training researchers is not just about teaching techniques but also about cultivating critical thinking, innovation, and scientific responsibility," she emphasises.
Miguel Ferreira’s participation in the European Student Assembly 2025 is a testament to the academic and scientific excellence promoted by FEP-UCP, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to preparing professionals capable of shaping the future of Europe.
