The Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory (SBRL) was delighted to host the 10th Suicide and Self-Harm Early and Mid-Career Researchers’ Forum (EMCRF26) on the 11th and 12th June 2026 at the Glasgow Grosvenor Hotel. Celebrating the Forum’s 10th anniversary, this landmark event brought together an international community of early and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) dedicated to advancing knowledge and prevention efforts in the field of suicide and self-harm. Delegates showcased their research, exchanged ideas, fostered new collaborations, and nurtured professional connections.
Where it all began…
This year’s event marked 10 years since the first Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF. Over the years the Forum has grown, but year on year it manages to hold that same vibrancy as it did at the very beginning! The Forum was the brainchild of Dr Tiago Zortea, who was doing his PhD in SBRL at the time. He had a vision to create a welcoming and safe space for the next generation of researchers and investigators in the field of suicide and self-harm. At the time there was a clear gap in opportunities for suicide and self-harm EMCRs to come together for both dissemination of their work, and for peer support in what is an emotionally demanding area. Tiago’s goal was to create that space; to champion EMCRs and recognise their valued contributions to the field. Tiago pitched his idea to Professor Rory O’Connor during a PhD supervision meeting in 2015 and Rory was fully supportive in bringing the idea to life. And so, it was born…. the first Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF was held on 3rd June 2016.
The photo above shows the delegates of the first EMCRF held in 2016
How has the Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF developed over the years?
From the start, the Forum has been created for EMCRs by EMCRs. The initial five editions of the event were organised by Tiago with the support of other SBRL members. Subsequently, each new generation of SBRL organising members has contributed fresh ideas while building on the foundations established by those who came before them. This planning structure ensures that the needs, priorities, and experiences of EMCRs always remain at the heart of the event.
The Forum began as a one-day event. As it does now, the programme included parallel sessions, poster presentations and two keynote speakers from senior academics. In year one, we had 53 delegates in attendance. Invited speakers Professor Ella Arensman and Professor Rory O’Connor provided our keynote presentations, alongside 27 oral presentations and two poster presentations from our delegates.
In comparison, the Forum held in June 2026 has grown into a two-day event. This year we hosted 140 delegates from 14 different countries, our biggest Forum yet. We had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Matt Spittal and Professor Pooja Saini to provide the keynote presentations. Matt provided his expertise on ‘Real-time suicide monitoring: an example of how strong partnerships can lead to a funded research career’, while Pooja gave us valued insight into her ‘Journey in Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention: Research, Impact and Lessons Learned’.
We have gone from four parallel sessions in 2016 to eight in 2026, this year accommodating 49 oral presentations. Our poster presentations have also grown substantially, with 39 researchers showcasing their work – quite a jump from the two in 2016!
Over the years, the Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF has been shaped by our delegates, and every year we try to implement feedback from the previous year to improve the experience for our peers. We have added ‘EMCR talks’, which invites friends of the Forum currently in an EMCR role to share their experience, including milestones from their research journey, and some of the successes and challenges they have faced along the way. This year we had insights from Dr Hazel Marzetti and Dr Heather McClelland.
We have also added conference workshops in recent years. In this year’s event Professor Amy Brausch delivered a workshop on the ‘Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS): an evidence-based framework for assessment, treatment and management of suicide risk’; and Dr Paul Corcoran and Dr Eve Griffin delivered ‘Considerations when evaluation suicide prevention strategies’. These workshops were hugely successful with lots of great interactions and feedback.
Finally, this year we recorded a live podcast, which took the form of a panel discussion. Hosted by Professor Pooja Saini, the HopeShow gave us the opportunity to hear from Amy Brausch, Eve Griffin, Rory O’Connor alongside Keir McKechnie, Suicide Prevention Training & Safeguarding Officer at Scottish Action on Mental Health (SAMH).
Social event
Working in suicide and self-harm research can be both rewarding and emotionally demanding. As a community, we recognise the importance of self-care, peer support, and maintaining meaningful professional relationships. To support this, the Forum has always included a social element, with the annual conference dinner, providing delegates with the chance to step away from presentations and engage with colleagues in a more informal setting. For many attendees, these moments are just as valuable as the academic programme itself, often leading to new friendships, collaborations, and sources of support. The emphasis on connection and community has been a cornerstone of the Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF since its very first event. And while this year’s restaurant choice may go down in EMCRF history for its chaotic-ness (if you know, you know!), the opportunity to come together, share experiences, and strengthen connections remained as valuable as ever.
Looking ahead
For many of us, the Suicide and Self-Harm EMCRF is a highlight of the year and a date that is firmly marked in our calendars. The Forum has gone from strength to strength over the years, but its core purpose remains unchanged: to provide a supportive, welcoming, and inspiring space for EMCRs to share their work, learn from one another, and build lasting professional networks. As the Forum continues to evolve, it remains committed to nurturing the next generation of suicide and self-harm researchers and to supporting their contribution to the field.
The photo above shows the delegates of this year’s EMCRF held in 2026.
Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory 