Talking about trauma

Organisation

THREATS, PROCEDURES,
AND CHALLENGES

Set in the heart of one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, this international colloquium invites scholars, practitioners, and students from diverse disciplines to engage in a cutting-edge dialogue on trauma in its many forms. Hosted by the University of Coimbra – an institution of global renown and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Center for Social Studies, a leader in interdisciplinary research the event is organized through the Observatory of Trauma, one of the Center’s key initiatives dedicated to advancing critical research and innovation in trauma studies.

This pioneering forum explores trauma across five major thematic axes: psychotraumatology; global changes and societal trauma; displacements and environmental crisis; representations through art, literature, and performance; and the role of media in shaping trauma narratives. From neuroscience to sociology, from migration studies to the arts, the colloquium fosters a truly multidisciplinary conversation addressing prevention, intervention, representation, and resilience.

Organized within the framework of the European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS), this gathering embodies ESTSS’s mission of fostering international collaboration and advancing trauma research, treatment, and policy.

Join us in Coimbra for an inspiring and transformative event that challenges perspectives, bridges disciplines, and deepens our shared understanding of trauma in contemporary global contexts.

Organising
Committee

LUÍSA SALES

Aida Dias

AIDA DIAS

ALDA PORTUGAL

ANA ARAÚJO

ANTÓNIO SOUSA RIBEIRO

BRUNO MACHADO

DIANA ANDRINGA

GUIDA MANUEL

JOANA PROENÇA BECKER

JOÃO VELOSO

MARGARIDA CALAFATE RIBEIRO

MARGARIDA FIGUEIREDO-BRAGA

SUSANA GOUVEIA

Preliminary
Programme

Available soon…

THURSDAY, 3 JUNE 2027

Registration desk open throughout the day

  • 09h00 - 13h00

    Pre-Conference workshops

  • 13h00 - 14h30

    Lunch break

  • 14h30 - 16h30

    Pre-Conference workshops

  • 17h00 - 17h45

    Opening ceremony

    • Welcome by the University of Coimbra and institutional partners
    • Opening remarks by CES and the Observatory of Trauma
    • Address by ESTSS representatives

  • 17h45 - 18h45

    Opening conference

  • 18h45 - 19h30

    Welcome reception & cultural moment

FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 2027

  • 09h00 - 10h00

    Plenary session: Representations of trauma

  • 10h15 - 11h15

    Roundtable I / Parallel sessions I

  • 11h15 - 11h30

    Break

  • 11h30 - 13h00

    Parallel sessions II

  • 13h00 - 14h30

    Lunch break (Posters & Flash Talks)

  • 14h30 - 15h30

    Plenary session: Media and trauma

  • 15h45 - 17h00

    Roundtable II / Parallel sessions III

  • 17h00 - 17h15

    Break

  • 17h15 - 18h30

    Plenary session: Psychotraumatology

SATURDAY, 5 JUNE 2027

  • 09h00 - 10h00

    Plenary session: Global changes and trauma

  • 10h00 - 11h15

    Roundtable III / Parallel sessions IV

  • 11h15 - 11h30

    Break

  • 11h30 - 13h00

    Parallel sessions V / Parallel sessions VI

  • 13h00 - 14h30

    Lunch break (Posters & Flash Talks)

  • 14h30 - 15h30

    Plenary session: Displacements and trauma

  • 15h30 - 17h00

    Roundtable IV / Parallel sessions VII

  • 17h00 - 17h15

    Break

  • 17h15 - 18h30

    Plenary session: Psychotraumatology

  • 20h00

    Conference dinner

SUNDAY, 6 JUNE 2027

  • 09h00 - 10h00

    Plenary session: Psychotraumatology

  • 10h15 - 11h45

    Roundtable V / Parallel sessions VIII /
    Parallel sessions IX / Parallel sessions X

  • 12h00 - 13h00

    Closing conference

  • 13h00 - 13h30

    Final ceremony

Abstracts

Abstract submission will be available from 15 September 2026 until 24 January 2027

Scientific Committee

Albino J. Oliveira-Maia

Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal

Francisco Allen Gomes

Coimbra, Portugal

Helena Freitas

University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Isabel Alberto

University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Luísa Branco Vicente

University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Margarida Gaspar Matos

University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

Rui Mota Cardoso

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

Rui Sousa

Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

Registration

REGISTRATION TYPE
Early bird
until 31 December 2026
Regular
until 31 May 2027
Late
Until 31 May 2027
Full Registration Daily Registration Full Registration Daily Registration Full Registration Daily Registration
Member 700,00 € 350,00 € 800,00 € 400,00 € 980,00 € 490,00 €
Non-Member 850,00 € 425,00 € 900,00 € 450,00 € 1080,00 € 490,00 €
PhD Student 480,00 € 240,00 € 630,00 € 315,00 € 750,00 € 400,00 €
Low income countries / Portuguese Delegates 450,00 € 225,00 € 470,00 € 235,00 € 500,00 € 250,00 €
Registration types above include: Access to all Scientific Sessions
Coffee breaks
Work lunches

Faculty

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CONVENTO DE SÃO FRANCISCO

A Historic Venue for Contemporary Encounters

Convento de São Francisco is one of Coimbra’s leading cultural and event venues. Originally founded in the 17th century as a Franciscan convent, this iconic building has been transformed into a modern, multifunctional space that still echoes the richness of its historical roots.

Following a remarkable architectural restoration, the Convent now seamlessly blends heritage with innovation, offering outstanding facilities for conferences, congresses, concerts, and exhibitions. Its spacious halls, excellent technical infrastructure, and central location make it the ideal setting for both national and international gatherings.

More than just a venue, the Convento de São Francisco is a meeting point between past and present a place where ideas flourish, cultures connect, and events come to life in a truly unique and inspiring atmosphere.

Address: Av. da Guarda Inglesa 1a, 3040-193 Coimbra
Phone: 00351 239 857 190
GPS: 40° 12′ 12″ N, 8° 26′ 10″ O

GETTING TO COIMBRA

Strategically located in the heart of Portugal, Coimbra offers excellent accessibility for both national and international visitors. With its strong transport links and central position, the city serves as a natural meeting point for travelers coming from different parts of Europe and beyond.

BY AIR

International travelers can arrive via Lisbon Airport (around 2 hours from Coimbra) or Porto Airport (around 1h15), both offering frequent connections to major European cities. From either airport, the city is easily reached by car through a network of modern highways, ensuring a comfortable and direct journey.

BY TRAIN

An efficient and reliable railway network connects Coimbra to Lisbon and Porto in under two hours, providing a fast and convenient travel option for those arriving by air or from other regions.

BY BUS

Regular long-distance bus services link Coimbra to major cities across Portugal, offering an affordable alternative for domestic and international visitors.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS

With excellent road access to Spain, Coimbra is just 3 hours from Salamanca, 5 hours from Madrid, and 2h15 from Vigo, making it a gateway for Iberian travelers.

Combining easy access with a rich academic and cultural environment, Coimbra is the ideal destination for global events, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration.

Sponsors & Partners

Contacts

    Official Agency – FactorChave
    secretariado@factorchave.pt
    Tel (+351) 21 430 77 40

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