ISSUP at the 14th EUSPR Conference in Sarajevo: Bridging Science and Practice in Prevention

The International Society of Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Professionals (ISSUP) is committed to advancing the field of substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and active participation in international conferences.

In this spirit, our team recently took part in the 14th European Society for Prevention Research (EUSPR) Conference and Members' Meeting held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina from the 4th to the 6th of October 2023.

Our Deputy Director, Livia Edegger, and Scientific Support Coordinator, Rasha Abi Hana, played active roles in representing ISSUP during this significant event. The conference theme for this year was 'Optimising Prevention Infrastructures,' focusing on addressing the challenges faced by the field of prevention science.

Throughout the conference, participants explored various aspects of strengthening prevention infrastructures and systems. This included discussions on improving interventions, enhancing decision-making processes, optimising funding, and professionalising the workforce. The overarching goal was to bridge the gap between research and practical needs in the field of prevention.

Together with Elena Gervilla, President Elect of EUSPR, Livia co-chaired the first International Networking Forum at EUSPR, a collaborative effort between EUSPR, the Society for Prevention Research (SPR), and the Brazilian Association of Prevention and Health Promotion (BRAPEP). Notably, the BRAPEP representatives attended the forum remotely, demonstrating the commitment of global partners to engage in discussions and collaborations despite geographical distances.

The forum aimed to facilitate the sharing of research and best practices in prevention on a global scale. Discussions within the Forum encompassed a range of critical topics, such as the role of prevention science in addressing climate change, violence prevention, cannabis, and current standards of knowledge in the field. The Forum encouraged fruitful dialogue and the exchange of ideas on how prevention science can provide solutions to pressing issues in these areas.

Our colleague, Rasha Abi Hana, made a contribution by participating in a symposium focused on "Stigma as a Barrier to Healthcare Utilisation: Implications for Prevention Science." The symposium provided valuable insights into the challenges of addressing stigma in the context of healthcare utilisation for prevention, along with other esteemed presenters sharing their experiences from different parts of the world. This collective exchange of international experiences enriched the symposium's discussion and offered a global perspective on tackling stigma in healthcare.

The EUSPR conference proved to be a remarkable gathering, marked by robust attendance, insightful keynote speeches, and extensive networking opportunities. We look forward to the next EUSPR conference, scheduled to take place in Cremona, Italy, in 2024.

At ISSUP, we remain committed to actively engaging with our peers and partners worldwide to further the field of substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support. Our participation in events like the EUSPR conference reflects our dedication to knowledge sharing and collaboration, which are essential components of our mission to improve global health and well-being through the promotion of evidence-based practices.