ISSUP at the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) Annual Meeting

The 27th Annual Meeting of the Society for Prevention Research (SPR) was held from May 28th – 31st in San Francisco. This year’s conference focus ‘Prevention Science in a Big Data World’ offered the opportunity to consider ways in which the prevention science community can leverage complex data and innovative technologies to open new avenues in prevention research.

Prior to the conference, Livia Edegger, ISSUP's Deputy Director, participated in the International Networking Forum. Livia gave an update on ISSUP's work and led a breakout session on the SPR-ISSUP Prevention Workbook. ISSUP and SPR's International Committee are collaborating to complete an online resource to guide the international development of prevention science. The workbook is conceived as a continually updated, practical resource that will cover tips and suggestions, links to resources and references, networking and interaction opportunities. Click here to access the workbook!

Livia attended a number of sessions to learn more about the latest research in the prevention field including a very interesting and informative roundtable discussion on the delivery of prevention programmes around the world. Elizabeth Mattfeld from UNODC gave an overview of the updated version of the International Prevention Standards. Zili Sloboda from APSI presented on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) Series and its implementation across the globe. Rachele Donini from Italy shared her experience adapting and implementing UPC in Europe and Harry Sumnall from Liverpool John Moores University provided an analysis of prevention systems. Livia also attended the 12th Annual NIDA International SPR Poster Session, in which researchers showcased the results of their studies and programmes in drug and alcohol use prevention.

We would like to thank everyone at SPR for welcoming us and we look forward to next year!