Meeting for Minds operates in France in association with the Philippe and Maria Halphen Foundation.

Maria Halphen founded the Philippe & Maria Halphen Foundation (PMHF) in 2013 in memory of her beloved husband Philippe. Based in Paris, the PMHF is under the auspices of the French Académie des Sciences and shares the same values as Meeting for Minds (M4M).  The PMHF is dedicated to promoting innovation and advancement of knowledge and scientific research into mental illness- especially schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and treatment resistant depression.

Maria Halphen, FOUNDER

Maria Halphen is originally from Sweden and an international collaborator on stigma research. She was inspired by the harrowing experiences of Susie Hincks, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. As a result of further discussions with the wider mental health community, Maria gained valuable insights into the issues faced by those living with mental illness. Maria decided to devote her time and energy to create a foundation for encouraging and coordinating research at an international level. And to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness through communication and education. Maria is also the Founder of the Philippe and Maria Halphen Foundation, which is under the auspices of the French Academy of Science in Paris, France.

Anne-Sophie Plouhinec, Legal Advisor

Anne-Sophie Plouhinec was born and educated in France. She is a business in-house lawyer with over 15 years of operational experience. Since 2010 she has worked in the elderly care sector and supported the development of a European nursing home management company specialising in Alzheimer’s disease. She has been involved with M4M’s activities from the start.

Sophie de Beauregard, Coordinator and Project Leader

Sophie de Beauregard has an experience as an international Project manager in France and in the United States. Previously she worked for the French government (Media and Development Department, in relation with the French Ministry of Culture and Communication), the French Institute and the International Organization of La Francophonie to the United Nations in New York, developing and promoting various cultural projects and events. She was the curator of the international event the CowParade in Paris in 2006.

Hugo Renault, Executive Assistant

Hugo is an economics student at Dauphine University Paris and joined PMHF as an intern in 2014. He also helped with the 2014 Forum in Perth and since then has taken on the role of executive assistance.

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