Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders (APMD) Symposium

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 10:00am- 4:30pm
Venue/Room: Te Pae, Bealey Rooms 4 & 5 
Cost: NZ$115 for SMHR-ASBDD Conference delegates (includes morning tea and lunch)

Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders (APMD) symposium will include interactive discussions focusing on the latest Australian research and policy relating to the prevention of mental disorders.

Confirmed speakers include: 

• Professor Maree Teesson, University of Sydney
• Professor Tim Slade, University of Sydney
  
• Professor Alison Calear, Australian National University
• Maja Havrilova, Prevention United
• Dr Joep van Agteren, Be Well Co
• Dr Matthew Iasiello, Be Well Co

Scientific Meeting of the Mental Health Australian General Clinical Trials Network (MAGNET)

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 1:00pm- 5:00pm
Venue/Room: Te Pae, Bealey Room 3 
Cost: Inclusive for SMHR-ASBDD Conference full delegates (includes afternoon tea)

Bringing together mental health clinicians, researchers, First Nations representatives and Lived Experience Research Partners to develop and strengthen the next generation of mental health clinical trials addressing major unmet needs.

• Discover innovative trial concepts
• Contribute to national collaboration
• Engage in meaningful discussion
• Build partnerships that drive real-world impact

Rhythms, Routines and Mood: Why Rhythms Matter in Bipolar Disorder - Translating circadian science into clinical practice

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 9:00am- 4:00pm
Venue: Manawa, 276 Antigua St (adjacent to University of Otago, Christchurch campus)
Cost: NZ$35 for SMHR-ASBDD Conference delegates (includes lunch)

Sponsored by 

Why do changes in sleep, daily routines and social rhythms have such a profound impact on mood?

Growing evidence highlights the bidirectional relationship between sleep and circadian rhythm disruption and mood disorder. Because the circadian system plays a foundational role in regulating mood, integrating circadian-informed strategies into psychological treatments is powerful. 

This interactive workshop weaves translational circadian science with practical clinical practice. It introduces Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), an evidence-based psychotherapy that targets the stabilisation of the biological and social rhythms underlying bipolar disorder. Participants will gain an understanding of the science underpinning IPSRT, how this informs the conceptualisation and treatment of bipolar disorder, and how its practical strategies can be incorporated into everyday clinical practice.

Designed to be highly interactive and practice-focused, the workshop combines evidence, clinical examples and practical exercises to help participants build confidence in applying circadian and rhythm informed principles and strategies with people living with bipolar disorder.

Participants will leave with:

• An understanding of the circadian system, entrainment, and sleep and circadian rhythm disruption
• an understanding of the theoretical and scientific foundations of IPSRT;
• practical techniques that can be immediately incorporated into clinical practice; and
• information about opportunities for further training, supervision and ongoing skill development.

Who should attend?
Clinicians from any professional background or level of experience who are interested in enhancing outcomes for people with bipolar disorder through an evidence-based, rhythm-focused intervention.

Facilitators
Dr Maree Inder is a Senior Research Fellow at the Dept of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, and an experienced researcher and clinician with expertise in circadian based interventions, notably Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy for bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

Dr Nicola Ludin is a Research Fellow in Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland, specialising in clinical, digital, and public health chronobiology. Her research focuses on Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disruption (SCRD) in mood regulation, bringing expertise in translational circadian science to practical mental health interventions. 

EMCR Pre-Conference Workshop: Candid Conversations and Catalysing Ideas

Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 2:00pm- 4:00pm
Venue: Room 506, University of Otago Medical School Building, 2 Riccarton Ave, Christchurch
Cost: Inclusive for SMHR-ASBDD Conference full delegates

This interactive workshop will bring EMCRs together for candid career conversations, practical insights and new opportunities for collaboration. It will include an EMCR “Can’t Ask That” panel discussion, presentations from previous funding recipients and Pitch Your Project: EMCR Catalyst Award, through which teams of up to three EMCRs can pitch an idea for up to $2,000 in seed funding. The award may support pilot research, consumer involvement, research materials, training, collaboration or participation in the following year’s SMHR conference.