Call for Abstracts

12 min Presentations:
This format allows for an overview of research findings, applications or theoretical contributions. Each speaker is allocated 12 minutes for their presentation, followed by 5 minutes for audience questions and discussion. This format is ideal for presenting completed research, significant findings, applications or theoretical discussions.

Rapid Fire 5 min Presentations:
Designed for succinct presentations, this format provides each speaker with 5 minutes to present their key findings or ideas. After all presentations in the session are complete, a 15-minute general discussion will follow, allowing for broader engagement and debate. This session will include 6-8 speakers, making it a dynamic and fast-paced option. Submissions can include pre-determined teams or individuals can be allocated into teams by the program committee. This format would be especially suitable for student presentations, but everyone is welcome to apply for this format.

Poster Presentations offer a visual and interactive format for presenting research. For example QR codes linking to supplementary materials, videos or interactive data visualisations can be included to enhance the viewer’s experience. Those who have a poster accepted will prepare a physical poster (1m wide x 1.2m high). This will be secured to poster panel display boards provided within the Congress Exhibition Hall for the duration of the Congress. There will be nominated poster viewing times within the Congress program to encourage open discussion and Q&A with poster presenters.  This format is ideal for work in progress, preliminary findings, or complex data that benefits from visual representation.

Symposiums are curated sessions that bring together 3-4 speakers to discuss a specific theme or topic. Each symposium is allotted 1 hour, with speakers presenting for 15-20 minutes each, followed by a group discussion or audience questions. Symposium organizers are encouraged to submit a proposal that includes a unifying theme and are required to include abstracts for each speaker.

Round Table Provocations are interactive sessions designed to stimulate critical discussion on controversial or emerging issues within the field. Two to four speakers will have 5-10 minutes each for their presentations and then they will present provocation questions and host a 15 min discussion including the audience. The submission needs to be made as a team and individual abstracts for each presentation are required. These sessions will have a total time of 60 minutes. This format is well-suited for encouraging active engagement and deep exploration of key topics.

1 Hour Workshops

Integrated into the main conference program, these 1 hour workshops focus on practical application and interactive learning. They are perfect for engaging attendees in a focused, skill-building activity within a limited timeframe.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations provide a platform for experts to walk attendees through a particular process, activity, or method. These 1-hour sessions are ideal for showcasing innovative techniques, tools, or interventions, with opportunities for audience interaction and questions.

Storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human experience, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of societies around the world. In recognition of its significance, we are excited to introduce a new presentation category at the World Congress 2025 – Storytelling.

This category invites you to share powerful narratives and stories that encapsulate lived or observed experiences. We welcome submissions that primarily focus on stories of wellbeing and resilience, featuring themes such as post-traumatic growth, experiences of awe, flow, self-regulation, spirituality, and community spirit.

Storytelling is not limited to traditional oral presentations. We invite you to express your story through various mediums, including art, photography, music, artifacts, poetry, social media/digital platforms or live performance.  When submitting your story, please ensure that it adheres to the highest standards of research ethics, particularly concerning the privacy and confidentiality of those involved.

We aim for the Storytelling category to reflect the rich geographical diversity of delegates. Therefore, we particularly welcome stories from non-Western cultures to foster a global understanding of how narratives shape the discourses of people’s lives across different cultural contexts.

Presenters are encouraged to share their stories in a way that connects with the audience on a personal level, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable. These presentations will be 10 min each with 5 minute question time/discussion. Join us in this unique opportunity to share your story and contribute to a rich, diverse and creative dialogue.

A limited number of pre-congress workshops will be selected. These workshops, held before the main conference, allow for in-depth exploration of a specific topic and are ideal for hands-on training, skill development, or collaborative work. When submitting a proposal to lead a half-day workshop (3 hours plus a 30 min break) please provide the following information in no more than 1000 words:

• Title and objective: Clearly define the title of your workshop and outline its primary objectives.
• Congress theme/priority: We will prioritise workshops that focus on the congress theme of “renewal” which highlights our commitment to exploring diverse perspectives and practices that can help rejuvenate people and places.
• Interactive components: Highlight how you will actively involve participants throughout the workshop. Describe the methods you’ll use to encourage discussion, collaboration, and reflection.
• Science-informed: In what ways are the workshop content and activities based on scientific evidence? Provide some examples of this.
• Expected takeaways: Clearly state what participants will take away from the workshop. This could include new techniques, practical tools, enhanced understanding of specific concepts, or strategies for application in their work.
• Who should attend?: Specify the target audience. Is the workshop designed for practitioners, researchers, educators, or a mix of professionals?

• Presenter qualifications and experience: Include a brief summary of your relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications that are relevant to the workshop facilitation.

There is also the option of submitting 2 workshops that lead into each other (such as a beginner and an advanced session on the same topic). This provides delegates with the option of diving deeper if they take both sessions, or starting at a more advanced level if they already have some experience in an area.

We look forward to reviewing your submission and potentially working with you to deliver an outstanding workshop for our attendees.

We are excited to introduce a Student Showcase Session as part of our conference program scheduled for 2 July. These are specifically designed to highlight the innovative research being conducted by graduate students (full- or part-time. This session provides a unique opportunity for emerging scholars to present their work to a panel of distinguished experts, gain valuable feedback, and compete for an exclusive mentoring opportunity. Abstracts for the Student Showcase are limited to 200 words.

Format

• Presentation: Each graduate student will have 10 minutes to present their research. Presentations should focus on key findings, the significance of the research, and its potential impact on the field.
• Feedback: Following the presentation, the student will receive 5 minutes of feedback from the expert panel. This feedback will be constructive, focusing on ways to enhance the research, improve presentation skills, consider future directions and connect with other researchers and resources.

Recognition and Mentorship

At the end of the session, the panel will select three outstanding presentations—one chosen by each panel member. The selected students will receive the following:

• Recognition: Each selected presentation will be acknowledged during the conference closing ceremony, and the students will receive a certificate of excellence.
• Personalized Mentoring: Each selected student will be awarded a one-hour personalized session with their respective panel member, to be held either during the conference or at a mutually agreed-upon time after the event. This session will offer in-depth guidance on their research and career development.

This Student Showcase Session not only provides a platform for graduate students to share their research but also fosters connections with experts in the field. This is a unique opportunity to gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and build your career experience. Up to 12 student presentations will be selected to be part of this student showcase session. Students are welcome to submit abstracts for other presentation types as well.