The University of Amsterdam, in collaboration with the Centre for Urban Mental Health, the Institute for Logic, Language and Computation and Spui25, present:

Societal Challenges, Global Mental Health and Humane AI


You are invited to join us in celebrating the Honorary Doctorates being awarded to Professor dr. Vikram Patel (Harvard University) and Prof. dr. Chris Manning (Stanford University). A panel of expert speakers will join our honorees to discuss pertinent topics within the fields of mental health and the use of artificial intelligence on a global scale.


When: Monday January 9th - 09:30 - 13:00h
Where:  Spui 25 - Spui 2525 Spui, Amsterdam, NH, 1012 WX or Online Live Stream 


This event will precede the Dies Natalis ceremony and presentation of honorary doctorates at the UvA Aula (Singel 411, 1012 WN Amsterdam). For more information click here.


Schedule -

Part 1 – Global Mental Health

Opening by Prof. dr. Reinout Wiers

Talks by:

Prof. dr. Claudi Bockting

Dr. Barbara Schouten

Prof. dr. Vikram Patel

Prof. dr. Frank 

Part 2 – Humane AI

Opening by Prof. dr. Jelle Zuidema

Talks by:

Marietje Schaake

Prof. dr. Chris Manning


With special guest: spoken word artist Daniëlle Zawadi



**There is a maximum capacity of in-person attendance of 100. Please sign up early if you wish to attend at the Spui25

Why the focus on urban mental health?

There is much to gain from urban mental health research. Urban living is on the rise: more than 50 percent of the world’s population currently lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to rise to 66 percent by 2050. Urban environments are characterised by features that make city life not only economically attractive and exciting, but also more challenging and stressful than rural environments (‘urban stress’). This environment influences mental health. Therefore, the Centre for Urban Mental Health benefits society by using joint approaches to new interventions and policy-making focused on the promotion of mental health.