It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the second issue of our ISBM Newsletter this year. Can you believe that half the year has already flown by? As the saying goes, “Time flies when you’re doing meaningful work.” In the spirit of that momentum, this issue brings you a wide range of contributions. Once again, many members from around the world have contributed insightful articles, updates, and reflections – a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of our global community.
We’re now just weeks away from the International Congress of Behavioral Medicine (ICBM), taking place this August in the beautiful city of Vienna. I’m especially excited about this year’s congress – not only because of the outstanding scientific program and the opportunity to (re)connect in person, but also because Vienna has personal significance for me: it’s where I completed my PhD. I am therefore particularly happy to return to Vienna for this year’s ICBM. You can check out the full ICBM 2025 program on the homepage here. This issue of the newsletter offers a rich preview of what lies ahead at ICBM 2025, for what promises to be a truly memorable event!
In her final President’s Letter, Kerry Sherman reflects on her presidency, the accomplishments of recent years, and shares her thoughts on the upcoming congress. In the Letter from the Editor, Konstadina Griva, the Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Behavioral Medicine (IJBM), offers a preview of the exciting forthcoming Special Series. You’ll also find an update from Allison Marziliano, Chair of INSPIRE (the International Network for Supporting Promising Individual Researchers in their Early Career) and Chris Kilby, Chair of the Education and Training Committee, highlighting key events for early career researchers at ICBM 2025, as well as a preview of the upcoming online webinars in the upcoming months.
A special highlight of this issue is an interview with Dawn Wilson, Chair of the ICBM 2025 Scientific Program Committee, and Urs Nater, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. Their insights provide a valuable glimpse into what to expect at ICBM 2025, along with practical tips for first-time attendees and recommendations on the best coffee places in town!
Finally, this issue’s section A Behavioral Medicine View On… focuses on “Reaching out to marginalized populations”. The section features thoughtful perspectives from members in Japan, Austria, New Zealand, the United States, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands that emphasize the global relevance and urgency of this topic.
Whether you’re deep in the planning of a new project, immersed in writing a manuscript, or simply seeking fresh inspiration, I hope this issue offers something that enriches your perspective and sparks new ideas – some of which might continue to inspire conversations in person at the ICBM in Vienna.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
