The 2nd Research Carnival on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Registration closed
Reimagining Wellbeing: Indigenous Knowledge and Approaches and Protection of Humanitarian Workers
Dates: 23-25 September 2026
Location: The Boma, Nairobi, Kenya
Host: Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS)
Organised by: RCRC Movement MHPSS Hub, Kenya Red Cross, British Red Cross, Swiss Red Cross
In partnership with: Protect Humanitarians (Belgium), McGill University
NOTE: Registration and Abstract Submission is closed. Practical information about the event can be found in the FAQs.
1. About the Research Carnival
Following the resounding success of the inaugural event in Copenhagen (2023), the 2nd Research Carnival on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) is coming to Nairobi, Kenya, from the 23rd to the 25th of September 2026. The carnival is a dynamic, interdisciplinary gathering designed to share ideas, challenge conventions, and co-create knowledge at the intersection of mental health, culture, and humanitarian action. The 2026 Carnival aims to deepen the global conversation on MHPSS by shifting its lens to the Global South. Hosted in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society and in partnership with the NGO Protect Humanitarians, this edition will explore whose knowledge and experiences shape current MHPSS practice – and whose voices may still be missing. We invite you to join us in Nairobi—to reflect on existing approaches and highlight Indigenous and community-led approaches to wellbeing. A dedicated thematic day organised with Protect Humanitarians will focus on research and practice related to the protection and safety of humanitarian staff and volunteers.2. Theme: Reimagining Wellbeing
The central theme of the 2nd Research Carnival is Reimagining Wellbeing – a broad and inclusive exploration of how wellbeing is understood and practiced across diverse contexts. The programme brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, community leaders, and humanitarian organisations to examine MHPSS from multiple perspectives, including critical reflection on established systems, innovative approaches to practice, and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration.
A dedicated thematic day will focus on the protection of humanitarian workers and the MHPSS approaches used to support them. Here, we will explore staff care, duty of care, recovery after violence, and the wellbeing of frontline workers and their families, bringing together expertise from research, humanitarian practice, and organisational leadership.
The programme of the 2nd Research Carnival reflects the diversity of contemporary MHPSS scholarship and practice, including critical examinations of dominant models, contextual and community-led approaches, integration across sectors, and emerging challenges affecting mental health and psychosocial wellbeing in humanitarian settings. Through dialogue across disciplines and sectors, the Research Carnival aims to challenge assumptions, share learning, and strengthen both the evidence base and practical effectiveness of MHPSS.
The themes explored throughout the Carnival include, but are not limited to:
- Critiques of dominant epistemologies and practices of wellbeing and MHPSS
- Indigenous approaches to individual and collective wellbeing
- Duty of care and the protection of humanitarian workers
- Recovery and healing after violence affecting humanitarian workers and their families, including justice and legal dimensions
- Organisational approaches to staff care, safety, and wellbeing in humanitarian settings
- The multi-dimensional nature of mental health and psychosocial wellbeing
- Decolonial frameworks in MHPSS programming
- Best practices for integrating and mainstreaming MHPSS across sectors
- Psychosocial wellbeing in contexts of peace and armed conflict
- Social determinants of mental health and wellbeing
- Climate change and its impacts on mental health and wellbeing
3. Update on Registration and Abstract Submissions
Participant registration and abstract submission have now closed.
The 2nd Research Carnival on MHPSS coordination team is currently reviewing registrations and finalising participant selection. Successful applicants will receive confirmation of participation following the review process.
The final programme will be published later this month and made available on this page.
3.1 Participant Criteria
The 2nd Research Carnival on MHPSS aims to bring together researchers, practitioners, students, and professionals working within mental health and psychosocial support, protection of humanitarian workers, and related fields.
3.2 Selection Process
Participant registration closed on 13 August 2026.
The organising partners are currently reviewing complete registrations and finalising participant selection. Priority is being given to applicants who:
- Demonstrate relevant academic, research, or professional experience.
- Have the ability to actively participate in discussions and activities conducted in English.
- Are available to participate in the full three-day programme in Nairobi from 23–25 September 2026.
Selected participants will receive confirmation and further practical information directly from the organisers.
3.3 Visa Requirements
General information regarding entry requirements and Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) process can be found here.
Participants requiring invitation letters or additional support related to travel documentation should contact the organisers as soon as possible.
3.4 Cost
There is no participation fee for the 2nd Research Carnival on MHPSS.
Participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, visa/eTA costs, and other personal expenses.
Lunch, refreshments, and coffee/tea will be provided during all three days of the event.
4. Participation and Logistics
- Format: In-person-only.
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Duration: Three full days, 23-25 September 2026.
- Catering: Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
- Travel and accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging and funding their own travel and accommodation.
Additional practical information will be shared with confirmed participants and published in the FAQs where relevant.
5. Important dates
- Call for Papers: 23 March – 30 April 2026
- Participant Registration Open: 9 July – 13 August 2026
- Selection of Participants: 14-20 August 2026
- Final Confirmation of Participation: 31 August 2026
- Final Programme Published: 31 August 2026
- Research Carnival Dates: 23-25 September 2026
6. Contact
For questions regarding the 2nd Research Carnival on MHPSS, please contact MHPSS Hub coordinators Yasin Duman (yadum@rodekors.dk) and Clara Thi Thanh Heilmann Jensen (clath@rodekors.dk).
We thank all applicants for their interest and look forward to welcoming participants to Nairobi in September 2026.
Co-funded by the Directorate-General Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) of the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation.
