Together, these elements capture the spirit of the conference: recognising the interconnectedness of lived experience, whānau, communities, clinicians and researchers, while weaving scientific, clinical, and cultural knowledge into pathways that support recovery after brain impairment.
Four half-day workshops will take place on Thursday 7th May 2026. A broad range of papers will be presented by renowned international and national speakers on Friday 8th, and Saturday 9th May. There will also be the ASSBI Presidential Address by A/Professor Barbra Zupan, and a professionally focused address by NZSIGN Chair Dr Nic Ward. In addition to platform presentations, there will be “how-to” sessions, datablitz presentations, and posters. Lived experience and student sessions will also feature.
We invite multidisciplinary abstract submissions. 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.
Regards,
Dr Josh Faulkner, Dr Nic Ward, Karen Below, Dr Christine Canty, Dr Jonathan Armstrong and Dr Kath Murrell, Convenors
Margaret & Matt Eagers (PCOs)
