Welcome! On behalf of the organising committee, you are warmly invited to Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, to participate in the 7th Pacific Rim conference. This is the second joint conference of three outstanding organisations: the International Neuropsychological Society (INS), the Australasian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI), and the Australian Psychological Society’s College of Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN). Over the past decade, public interest in brain health has surged, prompting a broader exploration of the factors influencing cognitive and emotional well-being. As we expand our understanding of brain health beyond clinical disorders, we must consider the diverse contexts in which individuals live, learn, work, and thrive. This evolution highlights the importance of integrating insights from neuropsychology, public health, social sciences, and community advocacy to promote brain health across all populations. Central to this goal is ensuring access to brain health support is considered from perspectives other than a Western and individualistic worldview that has dominated brain health and brain sciences.
The imperative to ensure equitable access to brain health resources has never been more urgent. Contemporary research highlights that social determinants - such as economic status, education, environment, racism, and systemic inequalities - significantly impact brain health outcomes. It is essential to move beyond mere acknowledgment of these disparities and to actively engage in initiatives that foster equity. Central to this mission is the call for translational research that not only informs our practices but also empowers communities to prioritize brain health.
Inspired by these considerations and to reflect on the collaborative difference we can make, we are excited to announce our theme is “Brain Health & Intersectionality”.
You are warmly invited to the vibrant metropolitan city of Brisbane to participate in an exciting, multidisciplinary, practically grounded, innovative program of presentations and events, including international and national speakers who will undoubtedly inspire us to reflect on our professions and how we can maximise our impact for people living with brain conditions.
Six half-day workshops will take place on Wednesday 2nd July. A broad range of papers will be presented from renowned international and national speakers on Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th, and Saturday 5th July. There will also be the INS Presidential Address by Professor Natalia Ojeda del Poso, the ASSBI Presidential Address by A/Professor Barbra Zupan, and a professionally focused address by CCN Chair Dr Kelly Gough. In addition to platform presentations there will be “how-to” sessions, datablitz presentations, and posters. Lived experience and student sessions will also be presented.
We are currently not open yet for registrations, however, we are happy to announce Abstract Submission is now OPEN!
SUBMIT ABSTRACT
We invite multidisciplinary abstract submissions that explore the complex interplay between brain health and social, cultural, political, and historical determinants, innovative interventions, and strategies for optimizing brain health across diverse populations. Contributions may include research with a focus on addressing the needs of minorities and underrepresented groups, including culturally and geographically diverse populations, LGBTQ+ individuals, and neurodiverse populations. Recognising that brain health is a lifelong journey, we encourage submissions that adopt a lifespan perspective, as well as those examining the intersectionality of age with other diversity factors. We welcome content focused on decolonising and Indigenous brain health practices from a multidisciplinary perspective. Additionally, we encourage insights into neuroscience, neuroethics, innovative measurement techniques, novel technological applications, and international collaborations that broaden our understanding of brain health equity.
You are invited to submit an abstract for a 15-minute oral platform presentation, a 5-minute Datablitz, a 30 or 45 minute “How-To” session, and/or a poster. Abstracts covering all facets of understanding and treating brain conditions are encouraged. The conference will cover both clinical and laboratory studies relating to assessment and management of individuals with brain health challenges across the lifespan. We encourage a particular focus on how scientific evidence can be translated into clinical practice, such as through education and training of clinicians. We welcome abstracts from researchers and health professionals in areas such as neuropsychology, clinical psychology, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, neurology, psychiatry, rehabilitation, recreation, exercise physiology, nursing, medicine, and service coordination.
Join us in this vital conversation as we work together to build a more equitable future for brain health, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive
We look forward to receiving your abstract.
Regards,
Kerryn Pike (INS), Jenny Fleming (ASSBI), Jody Kamminga (CCN) & Vince Oxenham (CCN) (Co-convenors)
Margaret & Matt Eagers (PCOs)
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