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Mental health challenges among researchers are increasingly recognized across Europe and beyond, with studies highlighting elevated rates of stress, burnout, and isolation. The competitive funding environments, short-term contracts, and academic precarity amplify these pressures. Research managers have an influential role within the research ecosystem the support the well-being of researchers. Yet their own mental health is frequently overlooked, despite their exposure to high workloads, tight deadlines, and a stressful work environment This presentation examines the pivotal role of research managers in fostering mentally healthy research environments while safeguarding their own well-being. Drawing on feedback from research managers, it explores practical strategies for building resilience at both individual and systemic levels. Key points include: Creating supportive cultures: How research managers can advocate for fair workloads, transparent communication, and policies that respect work-life balance. Practical interventions: Broadening definitions of research success, promoting social safety and integrity, valuing diverse contributions, implementing clear conduct policies, offering integrity training, and creating opportunities for peer support and belonging. Providing access ti professional and mental health resources, supervisor training, robust career development support, and comprehensive data collection to drive evidence-based policy change. Self-care for managers: Recognizing emotional labor, setting boundaries, and using professional associations such as EARMA for mentoring and mutual support. Institutional and policy advocacy: Encouraging universities and funding bodies to implement structural changes, such as realistic timelines and adequate staffing, that benefit both researchers and support staff. By positioning research managers as catalysts for positive change, this session underscores that mental health is a shared responsibility across the research ecosystem. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to support researchers more effectively, protect their own well-being, and engage their institutions in creating a healthier, more sustainable research culture. The discussion invites participants to share experiences and to strengthen community-driven approaches within the EARMA network.