Conference Bursaries

This September, I travelled to Newcastle for the BSA Medical Sociology Annual Conference (MedSoc), hosted at Northumbria University. I’d often heard MedSoc described as an energising and intellectually rich space, and experiencing it for myself this year definitely lived up to that. The three days were filled with stimulating talks, lively discussions, and numerous opportunities to reflect on the role of sociology in healthcare. A highlight for me was presenting my paper, “Negotiating Roles and Medicalisation: Psychologists in Chilean Primary Mental Health Care”. Sharing my research with an international audience was an exciting experience, and the feedback and questions I received were invaluable. Colleagues drew interesting comparisons with the UK and other contexts, which helped me think differently about how to position my work. It was a confidence boost to see how my research connects with broader debates in the field. Over the course of the conference, I attended more than twenty presentations. The breadth of work being shared was striking, ranging from studies of professional hierarchies and healthcare regulation to research on patient safety, mental health, and the politics of care. I was especially drawn to sessions that examined everyday practices — such as the organisation of medication after hospital discharge or sociological reflections on suicide — which highlighted the richness and sensitivity of qualitative research. These talks provided fresh perspectives and reminded me of the wide-ranging scope of medical sociology. What stood out most, though, was the sense of connection. Conversations in between sessions and over coffee were as valuable as the formal programme, and meeting both peers and more experienced academics made me feel part of a supportive community. I left Newcastle with constructive feedback, new ideas for my project, and renewed enthusiasm — a reminder of how important spaces like MedSoc are for professional development and for sustaining the collective spirit of sociological research.

Funding from the EMH gave me the opportunity to attend and present at the BSA Annual Medical Sociology Conference in Northumbria. I had the privieldge of presenting my MPhil research on the double exclusion of Autistic women from neurotypical and Autistic spaces, using sociological theories of performativity, stigma, and minority stress to analzye the experiences of 8 Autistic women. This was my first time presenting at a conference, and was an incredibly valuable experience for me. I was able to return to my MPhil research, and engage with fellow medical sociologists on my methodological approach and findings. The opportunity to discuss my work and engage with scholars was an amazing experience which broadened my presentation skills. I am very much greatful for EMH’s support in making this experience possible for me.

Thanks to support from EMH, I had the opportunity to attend the 21st International Congress of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (ESCAP). The conference took place in Strasbourg from 29th June – 1st July and brought together clinicians, academics and child and adolescent psychiatrists from over 70 countries. While a large portion of the program was geared towards clinicians, the variety of posters and parallel sessions across the 3 days meant that there was no shortage of learning opportunities. The highlight of the conference, for me, was the time spent in discussion with other attendees – particularly those working in fields outside my current expertise. I shared ideas for future projects that I had thought would never come to fruition, only to be met with shared enthusiasm, encouragement and a much larger network of potential collaborators. I also received valuable practical advice from more senior academics on grant-writing, turning ideas into research proposals and lessons learned from past successes and failures – demystifying a side of academic research I have always found intimidating. Another highlight from ESCAP was sharing findings from my most recent project, which examined the impact of food insecurity in early life on subsequent mental health trajectories. While the findings were bleak, sharing this work during my poster session was immensely rewarding. My poster prompted much discussion and positive feedback acknowledging the importance of this work. I found it especially enriching to speak to clinicians – who I rarely cross paths with in my day-to-day work – from across Europe and the US, who described the impacts of food insecurity and economic hardship on the young people and families they work with. This added context will help when preparing to publish this work, as highlighting the potential clinical relevance may strengthen the impact of the final paper. Overall, I found my time at ESCAP 2025 to be inspiring and enriching for my academic career and identity as a researcher. I have expanded my network of future colleagues and collaborators, gained new perspectives on my own work and returned home with a long list of resources and interesting methods to learn more about. Attending this conference has helped build my confidence and has served as a reminder of how exciting and meaningful academic research can be; I am grateful for the support from EMH that made this experience possible.

Think, think again, and then keep thinking! To open the Max Planck Summer Institute, Gerd Gigerenzer issued this challenge to our cohort of early-career researchers, examining how people make decisions in uncertain environments. Over seven days and 25 sessions, my assumptions about theories of decision-making and behaviour were challenged, prompting me to think more deeply about my research. For decades, psychology has been shaped by the notion that we have two decision-making systems: a swift, error-prone one and a slower, more rational one. This view portrays simple heuristics as biased and flawed. However, Gigerenzer put forward a different perspective: "ecological rationality." Rather than asking whether our decision-making is rational, ecological rationality poses a more practical question: what heuristics do we rely on in our daily decision-making, and when do they prove useful? Gigerenzer presented fascinating examples where simple heuristics outperform complex models in uncertain environments. For instance, when investing, spreading your money evenly across all options (the "1/N rule") often yields results that are just as good as those of more advanced models. Similarly, simple algorithms using recency heuristics can forecast flu outbreaks more accurately than Google Flu Trends' big-data approach. But Gigerenzer didn't view our mental shortcuts as flaws; instead, he suggested they're clever adaptations to an uncertain world, and that we have a flexible "adaptive toolbox" of strategies that excel in specific contexts. This made me think about my research into online safety and digital behaviour, where the world is inherently unpredictable. For instance, what determines when playful banter between players turns into online hate and harassment? As we rush towards big data and complex AI models in search of answers, we might overlook the fact that simple methods, tailored to specific settings, can be more effective. Other speakers stressed the importance of empowerment in addressing societal issues. Ralph Hertwig advocated for "boosting" competencies rather than just nudging behaviour. His emphasis on creating active, competent citizens sparked some questions for my own work: What competencies beyond nudges and penalties do players actually need? How can we effectively build these competencies into their player journeys from onboarding to gameplay? Amy Orben explored how to conduct rigorous science in our fast-changing digital landscape. Her discussion of "fast science", where researchers might lower evidence standards to keep pace with technological change, highlighted a critical tension in my field. How do we balance the urgency of addressing digital harms in practice with the need for robust scientific evidence? Presenting my research on player safety interventions allowed me to share these ideas with fellow researchers and explore how ecological rationality might inform approaches to online harm. The feedback was invaluable, particularly discussions about how gaming studios could move beyond reactive moderation systems toward proactive competency-building approaches. As Gigerenzer challenged us, I'm still contemplating how to apply my learning to research on human decision-making and behaviour in the digital world. The institute reminded me that profound insights often come from questioning assumptions about how the mind works and what drives behaviour.

Attending and presenting at the 3rd International Conference on Sensitivity Research was an enriching experience––both intellectually and personally. As the name suggests, the conference centred on sensitivity, a personality trait characterised by heightened registration, processing, and responsiveness to environmental stimuli. Researchers from across the globe gathered to share their work, spanning a wide array of methodologies––from brain imaging to qualitative inquiry. This diversity not only facilitated a dynamic learning environment but also created invaluable opportunities for networking. But what truly set this conference apart was its unique milieu. In contrast to many conferences, the audience wasn’t limited to academics. Many attendees came out of personal resonance with the topic, bringing a sense of authenticity and depth rarely felt at typical academic conferences. Even presenters often identified as 'highly sensitive' during their talks, creating a shared atmosphere of openness and understanding—one that reached beyond scholarly interest and into something more intimate and human. Research suggests that individuals high in sensitivity may be more prone to loneliness––perhaps because they reflect more deeply and care more intensely than most. I say the latter from personal observation throughout the 12 hours of this event, which was imbued with meaningful and deep conversations. While I had expected to make a few academic connections, I did not expect to leave with personal ones––ones I hope will last for years to come. I also had the opportunity to present my own work on environmental sensitivity’s dual role in posttraumatic stress and growth. This was especially meaningful to me––not only because of my passion for the topic, but also because I’ve long found public speaking anxiety-inducing. Yet, the open atmosphere at this conference made it easier. Pleasantly so. I now hope to inspire a similar space for others in future conferences. I learned a great deal. But what stayed with me most is this: research conferences don’t have to feel rigid or impersonal. The human beings behind the data––their stories and vulnerabilities––matter just as much as the methodologies they bring. Indeed, in psychology research, human beings are the very essence of the research, and this conference helped me connect with this truth in ways that felt both soothing and inspiring.

Thanks to conference funding from EMH, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Mindfulness Conference held in Bangor. This event brought together leading scholars and practitioners in the field of mindfulness, offering a deep dive into its theoretical, methodological, and clinical advancements. The conference offered an extensive exploration of mindfulness, addressing its research methodologies and applications for special groups, notably individuals with autism. This topic is drawing increased attention within the field, reflecting a growing interest in adapting mindfulness techniques to meet diverse needs. These discussions not only expanded our theoretical understanding but also highlighted practical ways to implement mindfulness more effectively across varied contexts. A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to the mental health implications of mindfulness. Discussions emphasized its potential in treating psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, showcasing successful case studies and some challenges of this approach. This relevance to mental health underpinned many sessions, linking mindfulness practice with measurable improvements in mental well-being and stress reduction. During the event, I had the privilege of presenting preliminary findings from an experiment related to my doctoral research. My poster session turned into a vibrant hub of interaction, attracting some attendees who posed insightful questions and suggestions. These exchanges provoked deeper reflection on my work and offered valuable advice on experimental design and feasibility. Moreover, the opportunity to engage with many scholars, some of whom are authors of influential books on mindfulness, was particularly enlightening. These interactions have significantly enriched my professional network and will undoubtedly influence my future research direction. In summary, attending the 2024 Mindfulness Conference has substantially contributed to my professional development, expanding both my academic perspective and practical skills in the field. I am grateful for EMH's support in enabling this enriching experience, which has undoubtedly augmented my ongoing research and future career in mindfulness studies, especially within the realm of mental health.

I am grateful to have received conference funding from EMH, which allowed me to attend the Across the Life Span: 5th International Mental Health Conference held in Glasgow. This event brought together a diverse group of professionals, researchers, and practitioners from around the world, offering a rich environment for learning, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration in the mental health field. One of the highlights of my participation was the opportunity to present a poster on our project titled: Loneliness in the Digital World – A Co-Production with the Young People Advisory Group. This project explores the growing issue of loneliness in the digital era, with a particular focus on young people, utilizing innovative methodologies such as Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and the involvement of a Young People Advisory Group in the design and execution of the research. The poster presentation drew significant interest from conference attendees, especially due to its novel combination of real-time data collection through EMA and the collaborative involvement of young people in shaping the study. The audience was intrigued by how the advisory group informed both the research questions and methodologies, ensuring the study remains grounded in the lived experiences of young people. Many attendees expressed a keen interest in learning more about the co-production aspect, as this approach is becoming increasingly relevant in mental health research and practice. During the conference, I engaged in meaningful discussions with fellow researchers, practitioners, and mental health advocates. Many were impressed by the innovative aspects of the project, and I received valuable feedback and suggestions that prompted me to reconsider certain elements of the study design. For example, several experts suggested exploring additional dimensions of digital loneliness, such as the impact of social media algorithms on young people's emotional well-being, and the potential to expand the study to include longitudinal follow-ups to better understand changes over time. Moreover, the conference provided an excellent opportunity for networking and potential collaborations. I connected with several researchers working on related topics, and we discussed the possibility of future collaborations, particularly in the areas of digital mental health interventions and youth-centred research approaches. These connections could enhance the project's future scope and its potential for impact. In summary, attending the 5th International Mental Health Conference not only raised awareness of our project on loneliness among young people in the digital world but also opened doors for potential research partnerships. The constructive feedback and insightful discussions helped me refine the study's design and consider new avenues for future research. The conference was an invaluable experience, reinforcing the importance of collaborative and participatory approaches in tackling pressing mental health challenges.

From 9–11 September 2025, I attended the British Psychological Society’s Developmental Psychology Section Conference at Royal Holloway. This annual event brings together researchers, practitioners, and students interested in developmental psychology, covering themes from cognitive and socio-emotional development to neurodiversity, education, and clinical practice. I am especially grateful to the EMH for supporting my attendance, which made it possible for me to present my work and engage with this vibrant research community. I presented a poster entitled The Development of Emotional Symptoms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Longitudinal Analysis from Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence. Our research attracted considerable interest from attendees, particularly because it highlighted emerging sex differences in emotional development among young people with ADHD. Many attendees were curious about how these patterns could inform tailored interventions and whether they might help explain the under-recognition of ADHD in girls. These conversations were especially valuable, as they encouraged me to think more critically about how our research could address gaps in the field and contribute to more inclusive approaches in both research and practice. This conference not only allowed me to share findings from my PhD research (recently published in Development and Psychopathology) but also generated valuable discussions with other researchers working on ADHD, cognitive functioning, and adolescent mental health. Several attendees shared perspectives that I found particularly inspiring, including how my findings could be linked to questions of co-occurring psychiatric conditions and emotion regulation. Others also suggested ways of connecting the results to intervention studies and policy contexts, highlighting how research on ADHD can inform both theoretical understanding and practical support for young people and their families. In addition, I greatly benefited from attending symposia and keynotes. Overall, attending the BPS conference was an enriching professional experience. It strengthened my confidence in presenting to an interdisciplinary audience, expanded my academic network, and exposed me to innovative research and methods. Most importantly, it reaffirmed my commitment to advancing research on the mental health development of neurodivergent young people. I am deeply grateful to the EMH for supporting my attendance.

I am grateful to the EMH Conference Bursary programme, which enabled me to attend the 2025 British Psychological Society Social Psychology Conference, held at the University of Oxford. Around this year's topic, "social minds in a changing world", this conference gathered researchers from the UK and abroad to present, discuss, and reflect on how individuals, groups, and societies adapt, influence, and are influenced by the evolving contexts we are living in. A great portion of this conference focused on emotion and social behaviour. Several sessions explored the role of emotion in group interaction, communication, and social judgment, ranging from interpersonal emotion convergence and empathy mechanisms to the social functions of emotional expression—illustrating how emotions shape understanding and coordination between people. At the same time, topics such as prosocial behaviour, social identity, and social connection also received considerable attention, with researchers presenting diverse ways and mechanisms through which individuals help, cooperate, and respond to others across different social contexts. Some sessions further addressed methodological and epistemological reflections, discussing issues of methodological pluralism and replication, highlighting the field’s ongoing effort to renew itself both theoretically and empirically. Besides inspiring presentations and keynotes, I also had the opportunity to engage with other researchers about their presented work, particularly regarding experience sampling methodology (ESM), prosociality, and emotional dynamics in social contexts. These discussions provided valuable insights for refining my conceptual understanding of social interactions and methodological approaches to studying them. Overall, attending the 2025 BPS Social Psychology Conference substantially expanded my academic perspectives, which contribute to my current research project and future career in mental health. I am sincerely thankful to the EMH Conference Bursary programme for supporting this opportunity.

It was an absolute pleasure to attend and present at the British Psychological Society’s Division of Academics, Researchers, and Teachers in Psychology (DART-P) Annual Conference 2025, held at Royal Holloway, University of London. I am incredibly grateful to the Edinburgh Mental Health Network for funding my trip, as this experience has been both personally meaningful and professionally rewarding. This year, the DART-P conference focused on a few themes, including supporting staff and student wellbeing in higher education, as well as fostering collaboration and community. These themes align with my ongoing research interests and pedagogical values, making it a perfect space to share and learn from others engaged in similar work. On Day 2 of the DART-P conference, I had the privilege of co-presenting with Dr Julie Smith, sharing our work on the Dissertation Buddies Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Peer Support Programme. This project was developed in collaboration with our colleague, Emily Birtles, from the Student Experience and Support Office. Our session, titled 'Fostering Community and Wellbeing during the Dissertation Phase,' shared insights from an ongoing project supporting master's students’ academic, social, and well-being needs at Moray House School of Education and Sport (MHSES) during the often isolating dissertation stage. What makes the Dissertation Buddies programme special is its collaborative nature. It’s co-designed with students, academic staff, and professional services, creating a support network that’s rooted in the actual needs of the students. In our presentation, we shared findings from a series of focus groups with participants in the programme. Through thematic analysis, we identified that feelings of isolation, confidence in academic skills, challenges in relationship-building, and the need for emotional support were central to students' motivations for joining the peer support programme. Presenting this work at DART-P allowed us not only to disseminate findings but also to spark rich conversations with delegates from other universities who are exploring similar models of student support. Beyond our own session, the conference was full of inspiring talks and workshops. I was deeply impressed by sessions exploring inclusive teaching, mental health literacy, and the role of feedback in promoting student wellbeing. These conversations keep reminding me that mental health support must be embedded in pedagogical design and everyday academic interactions. As a PhD student and early-career researcher, what made DART-P particularly impactful for me was its strong sense of community. I found it both reassuring and energising to connect with educators and fellow researchers who are just as passionate about student wellbeing and evidence-informed practice. Many of these conversations have already led to exciting possibilities for future collaboration and comparative work across institutions. Reflecting on this conference experience, I returned to Edinburgh feeling inspired, encouraged, and more confident in the ways academic research can drive real change in student support, particularly in terms of their well-being during challenging times. Thank you again to the Edinburgh Mental Health Network for making this opportunity possible.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a significantly under recognised/diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition and disability. FASD occurs as a result of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Therefore, the FASD in UK conference on the 10th June was a unique setting and occasion for researchers, clinicians, agencies, young people with FASD and caregivers across the UK to network and share research on many different areas. Being able to attend with the EMH bursary allowed me to hear of current research and discuss potential research collaborations. The introduction and tone of the day was set by Jan (birth parent) and Rossi Griffin who shared an honest and uplifting account of what it is like with FASD in everyday life. Rossi is a young man with FASD and a fabulous make-up artist as seen on BBC Glow Up and has just published his first book Life in the FASD Lane. This will be a great resource for everyone, whether they have FASD or not. Cheryl McQuire from Bristol University followed with a talk on public patient involvement in research, essential to the FASD community. Another personal highlight was to hear from Professor Anita Gibbs who shared her research and insight on FASD as a parent, and FASD advocate in New Zealand. Disability is a protected characteristic with an entitlement to supports so relevant to FASD as often recognised as an invisible disability. The day progressed with morning and afternoon parallel sessions on different areas: Science; Parent and Family; Clinical; Criminal Justic; Cohort Studies; and Intervention. I presented in the Clinical session on Key factors that shape professionals’ views of FASD, which is part of my PhD studies. My aim is to contribute to a wider understanding of the value and impact of the FASD diagnosis sharing the perspectives of young people with FASD, and health and education professionals.

As a Chilean psychologist and PhD candidate at the University of Edinburgh, my research focuses on improving the identification and understanding of paediatric bipolar disorder, a complex and often under-recognised condition. This year, I had the opportunity to attend and present at the European Congress of Psychiatry (EPA) in Madrid, one of the most prominent international events for mental health research and clinical innovation. The focus of my participation was to present findings from my systematic review and meta-analysis on the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools for paediatric bipolar disorder. This study forms a key part of my doctoral work and reflects my broader academic interest in enhancing early detection strategies in child and adolescent mental health. Presenting my research to an international audience provided invaluable feedback that has helped shape the next steps of my analysis and research dissemination. I attended the European Congress of Psychiatry (EPA) Congress not only to share my work but also to explore the latest developments in the field, particularly those aligned with my research. The programme included relevant panels on topics such as the transition to adult services, digital phenotyping, neurodevelopmental mechanisms, evidence-based interventions, and predictors of illness onset and self-injury. I was especially drawn to emerging research on the role of sex and gender in the clinical presentation of bipolar disorder, an area I plan to incorporate more deeply into my ongoing work. A major highlight of the congress was the opportunity to connect with global experts and fellow researchers. I developed new links with researchers from Canada, Italy, Germany, Colombia, and Argentina, and strengthened my collaboration with the Barcelona bipolar group. These conversations opened doors for future mentorship, co-authorship, and cross-cultural collaboration. Consequently, attending the EPA Congress was intellectually enriching and professionally rewarding. It deepened my understanding of international trends in PBD research, refined my academic focus, and reinforced the value of global collaboration in advancing mental health care for children and adolescents.

Overview of the Conference The 2024 edition of the Oxford Global Health & Bioethics International (OGHB) Conference was held from the 8th to the 10th of July 2024. It brought together scholars from all over the world whose research focus on ethical issues arising from global health policy and practice. The topics covered at this year’s conference include ethical issues arising in humanitarian crisis, climate change, genomic research, decolonisation and global health justice. These issues were considered by scholars from various disciplines such as public health, social work and law. The conference generated robust discussion on ethical issues in global health, and this was further enriched by the diversity of the participants in attendance. Summary of My Contribution I presented a Lightning Talk on the topic ‘On the Need to Center Racism in the Reform of Mental Health Law: England and Wales as a Case Study’. ‘Lightning Talks’ were to be delivered in 5 minutes and were geared towards stimulating conversation on the specific topic covered or the overall theme of the session. In my talk, I drew from my ongoing PhD research which focuses on how racism shapes the way the Mental Health Act 1983 operates towards Black people and demonstrated that there was a need for bioethicists to play a greater role in the process of legal reform. I emphasised that bioethicists can contribute to the legal reform process by applying their analytical skills and expertise to bring greater attention to how racism affects Black people’s mental health and how this can be ignored and even exacerbated by the law. I argued that such insights can feed into the legal reform process, thereby enhancing the quality of the law and improving the experience of Black people with mental disorders. My talk generated considerable discussion on how bioethicists can get involved at the structural level – that is, in the broader law-making process – as well as at the institutional level. Key Takeaways Although I benefitted immensely from the discussions generated by my talk and other sessions at the conference, my major takeaways were from the Early Career Researcher events which took place before the conference began. While the panel discussions for early career researchers covered several topics ranging from career pathways to finding the right mentors, the session that resonated the most with me was titled ‘How to Get Published’. In this session, the panellists shared practical tips on how to overcome the fear of publishing. Although several points stood out to me, the five points that I found most valuable were: Write; not weekly or monthly, but daily, even if all one can muster is an hour’s worth of writing. Have confidence in your ideas and always put them down in writing. Persevere in your work, even in the face of rejections. Have a clear sense of who you are as a scholar and where you want to be, and let this guide your decision about the journals you publish in. Submit – Do not be too much of a perfectionist. Once your draft has gotten to a point where another person can say ‘Well, this is alright’, you should submit. In all, it was a deeply insightful and timely conference. It was particularly valuable for me as an early career researcher who had been struggling with the fear of having my first academic paper rejected. I took the learnings from the conference with me as I returned to Edinburgh and spent the next few days working on the draft of my first paper. Whilst my fears about rejection did not completely dissipate, I resolved that I was going to ‘just write’ as I had been told at the conference, even if it meant doing it afraid, and I succeeded at doing that. My first draft is finally complete and regardless of the feedback that I receive, I will not stop writing. More importantly, I will not lose confidence in the fact that my ideas are worth sharing.