Welcome to the first issue of the ISBM Newsletter in 2026!
I am delighted to introduce this new issue, which comes not only with fresh content but also with a refreshed design. You will notice that the Newsletter appears in a new look – we hope you like it!
This issue offers a rich overview of current developments and activities across our society. At our past conference, the 18th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine (ICBM) 2025 in Vienna, the Presidential gong has been passed from Kerry Sherman to Michael A. Hoyt. I am delighted to once again congratulate Michael on his election and to express all my best wishes for his term as President! You can read Michael’s inaugural letter at the beginning of this issue. Michael reflects on the highly successful ICBM 2025 and looks ahead by outlining key priorities and perspectives for the years to come. This is followed by a letter from Konstadina Griva, Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (IJBM), announcing a forthcoming Special Collection on menopause and women’s health and highlighting a menopause pledge letter from re-searchers and clinicians in the Women’s Health group of the European Health Psychology Society, and patient and community advocates.
Further updates include a report from Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin, Chair of the ISBM Finance Committee, keeping our members informed about the society’s financial matters, as well as news from Allison Marziliano (INSPIRE Committee Chair) and Chris Kilby (Education and Training Committee Chair), highlighting exciting recent and upcoming webinars and further activities. We are glad to announce that ISBM will once again be sponsoring a HBIC Award in 2026 (deadline: March 9, 2026). Visit this website to learn more: https://ibtnetwork.org/training-initiatives/hbic-award-overview/.
You can learn more about the 2025 ISBM HBIC Awardee, Amelia Winter, and her project in this issue. We also share an important update and a call for new members from Kazhiro Yoshiuchi, Chair of the International Collaborations Studies Committee. Be sure to turn to page 14 for full details.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to our Past President, Kerry Sherman, who has made invaluable contributions to ISBM and, luckily for us, will continue to inter-view member societies of ISBM around the world for the Newsletter section “Meet the Member Society”. In this issue, Kerry shares her reflections on the inspiring ICBM 2025 in Vienna. On a personal note, it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces and to welcome new members to our society. The talks and posters, along with the lively discussions between sessions, sparked renewed excitement and inspired a wealth of new research ideas, while being surrounded by Vienna’s remarkable architectural heritage. In this spirit, you will find some wonderful congress memories included in this issue. Furthermore, Kerry has interviewed the leaders of the German Society of Behav-ioral Medicine and Behavior Modification (DGVM), Johannes Laferton (President DGVM) and Ricarda Nater-Mewes (Past President DGVM). Curious to learn more about how a 40-year old society stays so dynamic? Don’t miss this engaging conversation.
Finally, the Swedish Society for Behavioral Medicine offers a highly exciting and free lecture series, you’ll find more information here.
I hope this issue informs, inspires, and connects you to the vibrant work happening across our international community. Thank you for your continued engagement and sup-port. I wish you a truly enriching and rewarding year ahead.
