IACAPAP 2026 World Congress Concludes with Record-Breaking Success in Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany, 1–4 July 2026 – The 26th World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) concluded successfully at the Congress Center Hamburg (CCH), bringing together a truly global community of experts dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents worldwide.
Over four inspiring days, the congress welcomed more than 2,000 registered participants from 114 countries, making it one of the most internationally diverse meetings in the history of IACAPAP. Researchers, clinicians, educators, policymakers, advocates, and trainees gathered in Hamburg to exchange knowledge, present cutting-edge research, and discuss solutions to the most pressing challenges in child and adolescent mental health.
A Record-Breaking Scientific Programme
IACAPAP 2026 achieved record numbers of abstract submissions, reflecting the growing global interest and scientific momentum within the field. The outstanding response from the international community resulted in a highly diverse and comprehensive programme that covered topics ranging from neuroscience and developmental psychopathology to digital mental health, global access to care, trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, and health systems strengthening.
The final scientific programme featured:
- 20 Keynote Lectures
- 115 Symposia
- 1 Pro-Con Debate
- 6 Special Sessions
- 2 Industry-Sponsored Symposia
- 28 Oral Presentation Sessions
- 64 Poster Sessions
- 1 Late Breaking News Session
- 12 CME-Certified Workshops with limited attendance
- 9 Meeting Point Sessions
The breadth of the programme highlighted the remarkable scientific progress being made across all regions of the world and reinforced the congress theme of international collaboration and shared learning.
Sharing Research in the Poster Exhibition
Another important element of the scientific programme was the Poster Exhibition, where poster sessions were held from Wednesday, 1 July to Saturday, 4 July 2026. Guided by well-regarded experts serving as chairpersons, the sessions offered presenters a structured format to share and discuss their work. The high quality of the contributions was recognised during the Closing Ceremony on 4 July 2026, where the three best posters were awarded.
World-Class Keynote Lectures
One of the highlights of IACAPAP 2026 was its exceptional keynote programme, which brought together leading voices from across six continents. The congress opened with an inspiring presentation by Joanne Liu (Canada), former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières, whose keynote “Stories from the Frontline” set a powerful tone for the meeting by reflecting on humanitarian work, resilience, and global responsibility.
Throughout the congress, delegates heard from internationally renowned experts including Tomas Paus, Tobias Banaschewski, Guilherme V. Polanczyk, Hilary Cass, Olayinka Olusola Omigbodun, Jörg M. Fegert, Kapil Sayal, Barbara Franke, Yewande Olufunmilayo Oshodi, Argyris Stringaris, Paul L. Plener, Ayesha Mian, Tycho Dekkers, Andrés S. Martin and Cecil Prins-Aardema, Laelia Benoit, Sven Bölte, Bruno Falissard, Ilina Singh, Philip Shaw, and Chiara Servili.
The keynote lectures covered an impressive range of topics, including neuroimaging and genomics, ADHD across the lifespan, autism, self-injury, trauma, digital media and child protection, climate change, gender medicine, health systems strengthening, public and patient engagement in research, and global perspectives on stigma, equity, and access to care. Together, these lectures offered delegates valuable scientific insights while encouraging critical reflection on the future direction of child and adolescent mental health services and research.
Beyond the impressive scientific achievements and record-breaking participation, IACAPAP 2026 demonstrated the importance of investing in future generations through initiatives such as the Donald J. Cohen Fellowship Program and the Helmut Remschmidt Research Seminar. Together, these programmes embody IACAPAP's commitment to mentorship, international collaboration, and capacity building across the global child and adolescent mental health community.
Fostering Future Leaders Through International Mentorship
A distinctive feature of IACAPAP 2026 was its commitment to supporting the next generation of child and adolescent mental health professionals. The Donald J. Cohen Fellowship Program (DJCFP) once again brought together promising clinicians, researchers, and advocates from around the world, many of whom represented countries with limited access to international training opportunities. Throughout the congress, fellows participated in scientific sessions, networking activities, and mentoring opportunities with senior leaders in the field. The programme continues to play a vital role in developing future leaders and strengthening global collaboration in child and adolescent mental health.
Helmut Remschmidt Research Seminar Reunion Reception
The congress also hosted a special Helmut Remschmidt Research Seminar (HRRS) Reunion Reception, bringing together current participants, alumni, faculty members, and long-standing supporters of the seminar.
Named after Professor Helmut Remschmidt, one of the pioneers of child and adolescent psychiatry, the HRRS has for many years provided advanced research training and mentorship to young investigators from around the world.
The reunion reception offered a unique opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, celebrate professional achievements, and reflect on the impact the programme has had on international research careers. Attendees shared experiences, renewed collaborations, and welcomed a new generation of researchers into the growing HRRS network. The event highlighted the enduring value of mentorship, scientific exchange, and international friendship that have become hallmarks of both the HRRS and the wider IACAPAP community.
International Participation and Global Exchange
The ten most represented countries among
registered participants
The international character of the congress was reflected not only in the number of participating countries but also in the diversity of perspectives represented throughout the programme.
This global participation created unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of experiences across different healthcare systems, cultural contexts, and research environments.
Industry Collaboration at IACAPAP 2026
The congress featured a technical exhibition from 1–3 July 2026, giving participants opportunities to connect with industry partners, publishers, and service providers. The organisers gratefully acknowledge the support of all sponsors and exhibitors. Two industry-sponsored symposia further enriched the scientific exchange, while complimentary morning coffee breaks in the exhibition area encouraged informal networking and discussion.
Networking and Community-Building
Networking was an important part of the congress experience.
In addition to the scientific sessions, participants
had numerous opportunities to connect informally during
coffee breaks in the exhibition area, poster sessions, meeting point sessions, and dedicated receptions.
A special highlight was the Presidents‘ Dinner, held on 4
July aboard the historic museum ship Rickmer Rickmers
in Hamburg harbour, which provided a memorable setting
for exchange among IACAPAP leadership, invited guests,
and colleagues from the international community.
These networking formats encouraged personal exchange,
fostered new collaborations, and helped strengthen the
international IACAPAP community beyond the lecture halls.
Continuing Medical Education
IACAPAP 2026 also provided significant educational value for healthcare professionals. The congress was accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) with 20.5 CME credits (ECMEC®s).
In addition, the Landesärztekammer Hamburg awarded 21 credit points for participation in the congress days. Each of the congress workshops received separate accreditation with 5 CME credits, offering delegates additional opportunities for in-depth learning and professional development.
Recognising Excellence: Best Presentation Awards
A further highlight of the congress was the recognition of outstanding scientific contributions. Following the evaluation of presentation ratings, reviewer assessments, and voting results, six presentations were selected for the IACAPAP 2026 Best Presentation Awards.
Best Oral Presentations
Reut Naim
OP-06-003 – “Real-time Parent-Child Dynamics of Irritability: Ecological Momentary Assessment to Inform Family-Focused Intervention”
Ryan Murray
OP-18-001 – “When trauma context matters: Differential associations of IPV-related vs non-IPV-related maternal PTSS with reflective functioning and child abuse potential, with preliminary moderation evidence”
Cornelius Ani
OP-01-005 – “Designing scalable digital training for CAMHS professionals: a feasibility and early implementation evaluation of ACAMH Learn”
Best Poster Presentations
Guler Yalcin
P-03-010 – “Enhancing Trauma-Informed, Child- and Family-Centered Psychosocial Support in Disaster Response: A Training-Based Model from Türkiye”
Pierre Augé
P-05-002 – “Clinical and cerebral correlates of cholesterol-metabolism biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder”
Eleonora Doz
P-25-001 – “Respond to increasing child and adolescent mental health needs in Europe: a comprehensive review of existing epidemiological data and best practices in collaboration with UNICEF”
Looking Ahead
The success of IACAPAP 2026 demonstrated the strength and vitality of the global child and adolescent mental health community. With record participation, an outstanding scientific programme, world-renowned speakers, and vibrant international exchange, the congress provided an important platform for advancing research, clinical practice, education, and advocacy.
As delegates returned to their home countries, they carried with them new knowledge, new collaborations, and renewed motivation to improve the lives of children, adolescents, and families around the world.
IACAPAP 2026 will be remembered not only for its impressive numbers, but also for its spirit of global partnership and its shared commitment to building a healthier future for young people everywhere.
