Rising Stars in Neurological and Mental Health Epidemiology 2025

The field of neurological and mental health epidemiology is rapidly advancing, with new insights, methodologies, and findings being propelled by early career researchers. These rising stars represent the future of epidemiological research in neurology and mental health, and their innovative work is pivotal for driving progress and shaping health outcomes globally. Despite significant achievements, there remains a strong need to promote and showcase the high-caliber research conducted by these emerging leaders to a broader audience.

While the existing body of knowledge in neurological and mental health epidemiology is substantial, critical gaps and active debates persist. Substantial studies have been conducted, yet the contributions of early career researchers deserve greater attention and exploration.

The primary aim of this Research Topic is to highlight the achievements of internationally recognized early career researchers, who are set to be the frontrunners in neurological and mental health epidemiology. Their research encompasses the full spectrum of epidemiological inquiry, including theoretical advancements, experimental studies, and novel methodologies, all with real-world implications for public health. All Rising Star researchers featured in this topic will be nominated by established Editors on our Board, signifying their influence on shaping the future direction of the field.

To further our understanding of the future landscape of neurological and mental health epidemiology, we invite articles addressing (but not limited to) the following themes:

- Advances in the epidemiology of neurological disorders
- Innovations in mental health epidemiological research
- Emerging trends in neuroepidemiology and psychiatric epidemiology
- Population studies and real-world data analyses of neurological and psychiatric conditions
- Theoretical developments in epidemiological modeling related to brain and mental health
- Methodological advances for epidemiological studies in neurology and mental health

We welcome original research, systematic reviews, and methodological papers that reflect the extraordinary potential and impact of early career researchers in this dynamic field.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: Neurological, Mental Health, Epidemiology, Rising Stars, Advances, Innovation, Future Leaders

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.