Since ISSBD’s first Biennial Meeting in Nijmegen in 1971, attendance has grown from approximately 200 delegates to more than 1,300 participants.
The importance and influence of the Biennial Meetings are reflected in the growing interest in cross-cultural and cross-national research on behavioural development, the many international collaborations and research initiatives that have emerged from these meetings, and increased engagement with ISSBD in the countries and regions where meetings have been held.
The Biennial Meetings bring together developmental scientists from around the world to present new research, exchange ideas, build international networks, and develop collaborations across countries, cultures, disciplines, and career stages. To reflect its international mission and encourage participation from different regions of the world, ISSBD seeks to rotate the location of its Biennial Meetings across continents.
Since 1971, ISSBD has held 28 Biennial Meetings across six continents: 14 in Europe, six in North America, four in Asia, two in Australia, one in Africa, and one in South America.
The Biennial Meeting scheduled to take place in Rhodes in 2020 was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and was subsequently held there in 2022.
ISSBD welcomes expressions of interest from members and institutions interested in hosting a future Biennial Meeting.
For detailed information and guidance on hosting a meeting—including timelines, budget requirements, organizational responsibilities, and general planning recommendations—please contact the ISSBD President.
22nd Biennial Meeting – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (July 8–12, 2012)
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27th Biennial Meeting – Lisbon, Portugal (June 16–20, 2024)
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