Julia Berschick

Biography and Expertise of Julia Berschick

Julia Berschick is a forward-thinking researcher at the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Her career is centered on one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare: the well-being of its professionals. Specializing in Motion and Mindfulness, she investigates how tailored mind-body medicine programs can mitigate stress and build resilience in demanding, high-risk occupations. This work is not only academic but profoundly practical, aiming to create sustainable health-promoting strategies within workplaces.

Her expertise directly addresses the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” By applying rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodologies, she generates the scientific evidence needed to integrate practices like mindfulness and stress management into conventional health systems. Furthermore, her focus on creating healthier work environments is a cornerstone of the congress motto’s pillar of “Well-being Societies,” demonstrating a clear link between individual resilience and broader societal health.

Beyond this, the work of Julia Berschick embodies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration through its commitment to science and evidence in traditional and complementary medicine. Her research on developing and evaluating interventions provides a model for how ancient wisdom, such as mindfulness, can be adapted and validated for contemporary challenges. Therefore, her contributions are vital for advancing an integrative health agenda that is both effective and scientifically sound.

Professional Career

The professional journey of Julia Berschick is characterized by a dedicated focus on the intersection of research, health promotion, and practical intervention. Since December 2020, she has served as a Research Associate at the esteemed Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. In this role, she is deeply involved in the entire lifecycle of research projects aimed at improving occupational health through mind-body strategies. Her responsibilities extend from conceptualizing studies and developing interventions to conducting qualitative data collection and analysis.

This position allows her to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible health solutions for professionals facing immense daily pressures. Consequently, her work is pivotal in building an evidence base for programs that can be scaled within large organizations and healthcare systems. Her career reflects a commitment to rigorous, impactful research that serves community well-being.

• 2020 – Present: Research Associate at the Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, focusing on workplace health promotion and resilience.
• 2022: Served as an invited expert for the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), contributing to the development of quality criteria for digital health applications in stress reduction.
• Ongoing: Acts as a peer reviewer for several academic journals, including PLOS ONE and BMC Public Health, upholding the standards of scientific inquiry in public health and integrative medicine.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Julia Berschick was meticulously built at the German Sport University Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln), Europe’s leading institution for sports and movement sciences. This specialized environment provided her with a unique and interdisciplinary perspective on human health, blending the physiological aspects of movement with the psychological dimensions of well-being. Her education is a testament to a modern, holistic approach to health science.

This rigorous training equipped her with both the theoretical knowledge and the research skills necessary to pioneer innovative studies in her field. Therefore, her qualifications are central to her ability to design and execute research that credibly investigates the effects of mind-body interventions.

• 2018 – 2020: Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Movement Sciences with a specialization in Motion and Mindfulness, German Sport University Cologne. This advanced degree focused on the practical application of movement and mindfulness-based practices for improving health outcomes.
• 2015 – 2018: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sport, Health, and Prevention, German Sport University Cologne. This undergraduate program provided a comprehensive grounding in the principles of health science, preventive medicine, and the role of physical activity in disease prevention.

Research and Publications

The research portfolio of Julia Berschick is distinguished by its focus on practical, evidence-based interventions for mental wellness and resilience. Her work consistently explores the efficacy of Mind-Body Medicine (MBM) and mindfulness techniques as tools for stress reduction in demanding professional environments. She employs robust qualitative methods, including focus groups and participatory observation, to develop interventions that are not only effective but also tailored to the specific needs of target populations like healthcare workers and police officers.

A cornerstone of her recent work is the 2024 study protocol, “Mind-body medicine for occupational health promotion in healthcare professionals.” This publication outlines a pilot study for a tailored MBM program designed to support the very individuals who form the backbone of our health systems. Furthermore, her 2022 scoping review, “The Relationship Between Mental Toughness and Health in High-Risk Occupations,” systematically examined the protective psychological traits that enable professionals to thrive under pressure. This research directly informs the development of resilience-building programs.

Through these publications, Julia Berschick contributes vital data that supports the integration of TCIM into mainstream occupational health. Her findings provide a scientific rationale for investing in preventive, non-pharmacological approaches to mental health, aligning perfectly with the global shift towards sustainable and holistic healthcare models advocated by the WHO.

Contributions to the Scientific Community

Beyond her primary research, Julia Berschick actively contributes her expertise to the broader scientific and regulatory landscape, helping to shape the standards of integrative health interventions. Her involvement in expert panels and the peer-review process demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that advancements in the field are built on a foundation of quality, safety, and scientific rigor. These contributions are essential for building public and institutional trust in TCIM.

Her roles underscore her standing as a respected voice in the field of stress management and digital health. Consequently, her engagement helps guide the responsible development and implementation of new health technologies and research.

• Invited Expert, German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM): In 2022, she was invited to contribute her expertise to a structured process for developing quality criteria for digital health applications (DiGAs) focused on stress reduction. Her input helps ensure that digital wellness tools are effective and safe for public use.
• Peer Reviewer for Scholarly Journals: She serves as a reviewer for respected academic journals such as PLOS ONE and BMC Public Health. In this capacity, she plays a critical role in evaluating new research, providing constructive feedback to authors, and upholding the integrity of the scientific literature in public and integrative health.

Connect with Julia Berschick

For a deeper understanding of the research and professional activities of Julia Berschick, several online resources are available. These profiles offer comprehensive information on her publications, ongoing projects, and contributions to the field of mind-body medicine and occupational health.

Official Profile at Charité: View Institutional Profile

Google Scholar: View Publications and Citations

ResearchGate: Connect on ResearchGate