The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is pleased to announce that its 2021 Conference, which will be held virtually on Sunday 19 September, is now open for registration.
Expert speakers from the UK and overseas will deliver a dynamic online event which serves as a key opportunity for delegates from across the world to find out about the current state of research and practice in Animal-Assisted Interventions and how they might be more closely integrated.
This year’s virtual conference will address three main client groups: children, older people, and those with mental health problems. Each of these group sessions will open with a research-based presentation, followed by two presentations from organisations working with the client group. The conference will conclude with a panel discussion chaired by Emeritus Professor Marie-José Enders-Slegers looking at the integration of research and practice. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions to the experts throughout the day.
Each year, the annual SCAS Conference facilitates and encourages the sharing of information on HAI and AAI to specialists, scientists, researchers, patients and others interested in the field. This year’s conference provides an opportunity to find out about advances in AAI, updates on new and ongoing research, as well as encouraging collaboration between researchers and healthcare professionals. Attendees will have the opportunity to find out about therapeutic programmes and to hear from specialists at the forefront of research.
There will also be a poster competition during this year’s conference, allowing researchers and practitioners to present their latest advances in AAI. SCAS is encouraging authors to submit a poster by email to info@scas.org.uk by 31 August 2021. Posters showing an original paper/trial, audit, case study or a professional experience will be accepted. Further details can be found on the SCAS website. This year, SCAS will award a prize for the best overall poster and one for the best student poster.
As SCAS Chair, Dr Elizabeth Ormerod BVMS, explains, “This year’s conference will provide a key platform for international experts to once again share the latest research and information about AAI programmes. Following the success of last year’s virtual conference, we look forwarding to welcoming delegates from across the world to the growing AAI community.”
Further details, including how to register, can be found on the SCAS website.
