10 November 2025

The Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) is pleased to welcome the Women’s Brain Foundation (WBF) as a full member. 
This collaboration reinforces a shared commitment to ensuring that sex and gender differences are systematically recognised and addressed across mental health and psychedelic research, policy, and clinical innovation in Europe. 

Sex and gender profoundly influence how mental health conditions and brain disorders manifest across the lifespan. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety, yet their symptoms are frequently misinterpreted or dismissed due to a limited understanding of female-specific presentations. Despite growing evidence, women remain underrepresented in research, and data are seldom analysed for sex- and gender-specific effects, creating a persistent gap in precision and equity. 

“The lack of sex- and gender-informed evidence in mental health and neuroscience has far-reaching implications,” said Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha, Founder and CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation. “We aim to change this by promoting prevention, early detection, and personalised approaches that account for both biological and social differences between women and men.” 

The Women’s Brain Foundation is an international non-profit organisation advocating for sex- and gender-sensitive medicine. It advances research, education, and policy to ensure that the biological and sociocultural realities of women and men are reflected in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Through its Academy, advocacy, and partnerships, WBF works to close the “gender data gap” that continues to distort understanding and outcomes in healthcare. 

“Understanding gender differences is equally essential in both psychedelic science and policy,” added Emma Christersson, PAREA Vice-Chair. “Current psychedelic research rarely accounts for women’s unique biology and psychological needs, including hormonal fluctuations that influence neurochemistry and subjective experience. Gender-informed research is critical to developing equitable, evidence-based care models that reflect real-world diversity.” 

This partnership between PAREA and the Women’s Brain Foundation will bridge critical knowledge gaps, fostering inclusive and scientifically robust mental health innovation. Both organisations share the conviction that equitable access to effective, personalised care depends on recognising biological and social diversity in research and policy. 

“Brain and mental health innovation cannot progress if half the population remains underrepresented in science and underserved in care,” said Tadeusz Hawrot, PAREA Founder and Executive Director. “With the Women’s Brain Foundation joining our Alliance, we can work together to make European mental health innovation more inclusive, precise, and responsive to the needs of all.” 

This collaboration coincides with renewed momentum for women’s health in Europe. More than 20 organisations and 40 experts recently urged the European Commission to adopt a dedicated EU Strategy for Women’s Health, emphasising persistent gaps in data, research, investment, and policy. Their call highlights the need for EU leadership to close the gender health gap and embed women’s health within future European frameworks.   

About PAREA 

The Psychedelic Access and Research European Alliance (PAREA) is a pan-European multistakeholder platform uniting patient organisations, professional societies, and community leaders. PAREA works to expand access to quality mental health care by advancing innovation and ensuring the safe, equitable integration of psychedelic-assisted care into health systems across Europe. 
www.parea.eu