The Scientific Committee serves as the executive arm of the ISSTD scientific mission—advising the Board and other committees on research, theoretical development, and clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorders. We are actively involved in strategic initiatives and work to uphold the society’s scientific integrity and reputation.
Over the past year, our members have continued to lead ISSTD scientific programming, including talks and panels at annual and virtual conferences. Contributors included: Ruth Blizard, Bethany Brand, Jonathan Cleveland, Paul Dell, Jennifer Gómez, Heather Hall, Mary-Anne Kate, Milissa Kaufman, Andreas Laddis, Lauren Lebois, Cori Palermo, Matthew Robinson, and Michael Salter.
Additionally, Jonathan Cleveland, Sherain Harricharan, and trainee Juliann Purcell have continued to lead the Research Special Interest Group (SIG)—now in its third year and open to all ISSTD members. The SIG provides a collaborative space for discussing research, sharing findings, and fostering mentorship and networking. The group held its first in-person gathering this March at the ISSTD Annual Conference in Boston, MA, USA.
Several members also presented at the inaugural McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School conference on DID in Boston last September, further extending ISSTD’s presence in the broader academic and clinical communities.
Other committee activities this year included:
- Reviewing applications for the annual Research and Education Grant Award
- Reviewing abstract submissions for annual and virtual conferences
- Overseeing the review of research-related recruitment advertisements
We would also like to recognize the following accomplishments:
- Andreas Laddis, who stepped down after many years of dedicated service. We are deeply grateful for his wisdom, collegiality, and invaluable contributions.
- Martin Dorahy and Warwick Middleton, recipients of the Sandor Ferenczi Award for their book, Contemporary Perspectives on Freud’s Seduction Theory and Psychotherapy.
- Bethany Brand, who, along with colleagues, received the Pierre Janet Award for a paper on inpatient treatment outcomes for individuals with complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Our current committee membership includes (click names to learn more):
| Chair: Milissa Kaufman, MD, PhD Chair-Elect: Matthew Robinson, PhD Past Chair: Lauren Lebois, PhD Ruth Blizard, PhD Bethany Brand, PhD Jonathan Cleveland, PhD Paul Dell, PhD Martin Dorahy, PhD Negar Fani, PhD Jennifer Gómez, PhD Heather Hall, MD | Sherain Harricharan, PhD Mary-Anne Kate, PhD Marilyn Korzekwa, MD Christa Kruger, MD Andreas Laddis, MD Warwick Middleton, MD Shae Nester, MA Cori Palermo, MA Dana Ross, MD Adah Sachs, PhD Michael Salter, PhD |