Karl Andriessen
University of Melbourne, Australia
21st European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour
Rethinking Suicide Research and Prevention
Welcome to ESSSB21!
We warmly invite you to join us in Vilnius for the 21st European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB21), taking place on August 26-29, 2026.
Why this Symposium?
The European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour is held every two years and gathers researchers, clinicians, and advocates from across Europe and beyond – sharing new ideas and research in suicide prevention. It is one of the most significant events in the field.
- We’re proposing rethinking as our theme for ESSSB21 – a fresh look at how we understand and respond to suicide.
- For openness and flexibility, there are no predefined topics for abstracts – all work related to suicide prevention is welcome, and we especially encourage submissions that contribute to rethinking.
- We invite contributions from across disciplines: not only psychology, psychiatry, and public health, but also sociology, philosophy, policy studies, anthropology, and other fields.
- The list of keynote speakers includes both well-known names and others less frequently featured, but who we believe bring essential voices to rethinking the field.
- We believe suicide should be explored not only scientifically but also through art. This approach begins with our Welcome Reception at the National Gallery of Art and continues throughout the Symposium.
- Because rethinking works better over great conversations and good food, a lunch buffet at the Radisson Blu is included in the registration fee.
Why Vilnius?
- Vilnius has constantly reinvented itself – from a medieval capital to a Soviet-occupied city, and now a thriving EU capital. Its layered history offers a rich backdrop for conversations about resilience and redefinition.
- Its UNESCO-listed Baroque Old Town is more than a museum – it’s a living, vibrant city, full of cafés, street art, and rich culture, where Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture meet modern creativity.
- Nearly half the city is green space, and it’s one of the cleanest and safest capitals in the EU –ideal for thoughtful reflection and engaging dialogue.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: August 26-29, 2026 – the 21st ESSSB is coming to Vilnius, where old-world charm meets modern soul. We look forward to welcoming you to a Symposium that is open, creative, and full of fresh perspectives.
Prof. Paulius Skruibis & ESSSB21 Organising Team
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Keynote Speakers
Diana van Bergen
University of Groningen, Netherlands
Derek de Beurs
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Silvia Sara Canetto
Colorado State University, USA
Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart
HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland
Amy Chandler
University of Edinburgh, UK
Bethany Cliffe
University of Westminster, UK
Erminia Colucci
Middlesex University London, UK
Danutė Gailienė
Vilnius University, Lithuania
Heidi Hjelmeland
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Vitalii Klymchuk
National Psychological Association, Ukraine
Matthew Large
UNSW Sydney, Australia
Jay-Marie Mackenzie
University of Westminster, UK
Ian Marsh
Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
Lisa Marzano
Middlesex University, London
Konrad Michel
University of Bern, Switzerland
Rory O’Connor
University of Glasgow, UK
Martin Plöderl
Paracelsus Medical University, Austria
Dainius Pūras
Vilnius University, Lithuania
Merike Sisask
Tallinn University, Estonia
Important Dates
- Deadline for symposia and workshop proposals: December 7, 2025
- Deadline for oral and poster abstracts: January 18, 2026
- Notification of acceptance: March 16, 2026
- Presenters’ registration: May 4, 2026
- Early bird registration: May 4, 2026
Venue
The ESSSB21 will take place in Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, located on Konstitucijos av. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania.
The hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Vilnius, on the bank of the River Neris. A mere 10-minute walk from the medieval Old Town, it is also conveniently located from Vilnius International Airport.
Conference participants are welcome to book rooms with a discounted rate. More information can be found under “Accommodation” section.
Registration
Registration to the symposium is now opened! Kindly note, that ESSSB21 will take place as face-to-face attendance only. Remote participation and presentations will not be available. Please find more information under “Registration” section.
Organizers & Partners
