Today I announced my resignation from the position of Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NUDZ), effective 31 August 2025.

This decision was not an easy one and has been maturing over a longer period. It is tied to years of effort to transform NUDZ into a strong expert center in the fields of mental health science, clinical care, and systemic reforms in the Czech Republic and beyond. I am proud that during my tenure as director, we managed to stabilize the organization, strengthen scientific performance, and open the institute further to the world and to tangible support for people; not only at home, but also abroad.

In recent months; however; I have come to the conclusion that under current conditions, it is no longer possible to fulfill this vision. While I appreciate certain positive steps, the lack of consistent support from the Ministry of Health, unsatisfactory cooperation in key areas of institutional development, and above all, missing – or even counterproductive – political activity in the area of mental health have created an environment in which it is no longer possible to lead the institute toward its full potential.

A strong factor in my decision was the situation related to the PharmaBrain project, recently detailed by the Seznam Zprávy news outlet. The Ministry of Health has been thoroughly informed of its background. Nevertheless, no steps were taken to prevent the misuse of this issue against me, including the media attacks that have emerged in recent weeks. When the Ministry subsequently launched an open call in June this year for anyone to apply with a new vision for NUDZ, it became clear that my continued leadership no longer had support.

Despite this, I remain deeply committed to the future of NUDZ and to the field of mental health in the Czech Republic. I am concerned about the excellent projects and dedicated people working at NUDZ – often without much publicity, but with great effort and meaningful impact. Sadly, those who do their work diligently and matter-of-factly are not always the loudest voices. I wish them all the best and hope that the new leadership of NUDZ will provide them with the conditions they need to thrive. Although I am leaving NUDZ, I remain fully willing to continue contributing professionally to the development of mental health care in the Czech Republic.

I would like to thank all colleagues, collaborators, and partners for the years of intense and meaningful work we have shared. I sincerely hope that the achievements of NUDZ in recent years will not remain in the past but will serve as a solid foundation for its future and for better mental health care both in the Czech Republic and abroad.

PhDr. Petr Winkler, Ph.D.