It feels only a month or so ago that I was warmly welcomed as President-Elect in A/Prof Dana Wong’s first “Words from our President” segment of the newsletter – how quickly time flies! I feel both honoured and privileged to be entrusted with guiding ASSBI and look forward to working closely with our incredible committee to continue to extend our reach, deepen our impact, and shape what comes next.
I first heard of ASSBI many years ago while still living and working in Canada. Even on the other side of world, ASSBI was seen as a shining star. It was an organisation known not only for its genuine commitment to improving the lives of people with brain conditions, but also for the calibre and warmth of the people involved. I never would have imagined I’d one day have the chance to be part of such an inspiring and inclusive organisation! I am grateful to the committee for welcoming me so shortly after my arrival here in Australia. Living in regional Australia can be isolating at times but ASSBI has provided me a sense of belonging and an opportunity to keep contributing to a field I deeply care about.
I would like to sincerely thank Dana Wong for all that she has contributed these past two years as President. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of someone who has led with such care and vision. To meet the priorities outlined in our strategic plan, Dana has guided the committee to implement many changes and initiatives. Under Dana’s leadership, and through the collective efforts of our committed subcommittees, ASSBI has extended its focus on inclusivity. Memberships are now free for people with lived experience of brain conditions, students, and people from low- and middle-income countries. Inclusivity was also at the heart of ASSBI’s co-designed terms of reference for our Lived Experience subcommittee, an initiative I have no doubt Dana will continue to influence in her role as Past-President.
Special thanks must also go to Professor Olivier Piguet who has completed his role as Past-President. It was Olivier who asked and encouraged me to step into the role of President and I am honoured he felt I could do it justice. Fortunately, Olivier is staying on as a committee member so ASSBI will continue to benefit from his insights, pragmatic approach, and commitment to ASSBI’s purpose and mission.
I would also like to extend my congratulations to ASSBI’s President-Elect, Associate Professor Michelle Kelly. Michelle is a neuropsychologist with expertise in both brain injury and dementia. Her quiet energy and resounding commitment to supporting people with lived experience have already made a significant impact within ASSBI and we are excited that she will be stepping into this role in 2027. She will no doubt continue ASSBI’s commitment to inclusiveness and to support innovation in translating research into practice.
We are looking forward to coming together in Brisbane at the 2025 7th Pacific Rim conference from July 2-5 which is being jointly run with INS and the APS College of Clinical Neuropsychologists (CCN). This year’s theme, ‘Brain Health and Intersectionality’, focuses on ensuring equitable access to resources and extending translational research. The diverse contexts in which individuals live, learn, work, and thrive are strongly reflected across the conference’s many workshops and sessions, delivered by national and international speakers. Thank you to our conference convenors – Jenny Fleming, Kerryn Pike, Jody Kamminga, and Vince Oxenham – for putting together such an amazing program and to Margaret and Matt Eagers for your tireless work in the background!
As I look ahead to the next two years, I am excited to continue ASSBI’s mission to support professional development, cross-disciplinary engagement, and strengthen the voice of lived experience. Our committee has grown this year, and with that growth comes opportunity for new ideas, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy. At the same time, we are fortunate to retain a strong core of long-standing members whose expertise, generosity, and commitment continue to shape and sustain the work we do. ASSBI would not be the same without you! I’m looking forward to continuing ASSBI’s impact alongside all of you and of course, sharing some fun along the way.
Barbra Zupan, President, ASSBI
