The Data Advisory Group (DAG) brings together a multidisciplinary network of experts and stakeholders to ensure that data within YOUTHreach are managed responsibly, securely, and in compliance with ethical, legal, and scientific standards. The group combines expertise in data protection and GDPR compliance, clinical and psychiatric research, data stewardship, artificial intelligence, software engineering, public health, health policy, and digital health infrastructure. Youth representatives are also involved in the governance process, contributing perspectives that help inform discussions on data collection, management, reuse, and sharing.

The DAG operates as a distributed governance structure spanning multiple academic, clinical, and technical partners across Europe and Australia. It includes representatives from Maastricht University, the London School of Economics, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Peaasi.ee, the University of Birmingham, the University of Barcelona, Ab.Acus Srl, the University of Galway, Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI Mannheim), the University of Melbourne, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS), and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Membership encompasses researchers, clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, data managers, data stewards, software engineers, IT managers, legal representatives, project managers, communication specialists, and data protection officers.

Maastricht University provides overall coordination of the group and supports the development and implementation of data governance activities across the consortium. The London School of Economics contributes expertise in research governance, data management, and policy-relevant aspects of mental health research. Clinical and healthcare partners contribute perspectives on youth mental health research, service delivery, implementation, and the management of longitudinal cohort and clinical data. Together, these organisations ensure that governance decisions are informed by both research and real-world healthcare contexts. Technical expertise is provided by partners responsible for federated analytics, software development, data integration, and secure digital infrastructures, including the University of Barcelona and Ab.Acus Srl, supported by technical teams across participating institutions. Their involvement helps ensure that governance requirements are aligned with the practical implementation of secure and interoperable data systems.

Additional perspectives are provided through organisations with expertise in youth engagement, digital mental health, and community-based services. Young experts are also represented within the group and contribute to co-creation activities. This multidisciplinary structure ensures that YOUTHreach data governance remains scientifically robust, legally compliant, operationally feasible, and responsive to the needs of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, young people, and other stakeholders.