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.
Scientific Committee
Albino J. Oliveira-Maia
Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
Ana Cristina Santos
Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra (CES-UC), Portugal
Ana Gabriela Macedo
Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
Ângela da Costa Maia
Universidade do Minho, Braga, Portugal
Carlos Camponez
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Francisco Allen Gomes
Coimbra, Portugal
Helena Freitas
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Isabel Alberto
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
João Figueira
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
José Adriano Fernandes
Porto, Portugal
Luísa Branco Vicente
Sociedade Portuguesa de Psicanálise, Lisboa, Portugal
Margarida Gaspar Matos
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Maria Cristina Canavarro
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Mário Figueiredo
Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa, Portugal
Miguel Castelo-Branco
Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal
Miguel Xavier
National Programme for Mental Health of the Directorate-General of Health, Portugal
Rosario Suárez
Mental Health Office of the Jesuit Refugee Service, 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
Tatiana Moura
Centro de Estudos Sociais da Universidade de Coimbra (CES-UC), Portugal
Preliminary
Programme
Available soon…
THURSDAY, 3 JUNE 2027
Registration desk open throughout the day
-
09:00 - 13:00
Pre-Conference workshops
-
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch break
-
14:30 - 16:30
Pre-Conference workshops
-
17:00 - 17:45
Opening ceremony
- Welcome by the University of Coimbra and institutional partners
- Opening remarks by CES and the Observatory of Trauma
- Address by ESTSS representatives
-
17:45 - 18:45
Opening conference
-
18:45 - 19:30
Welcome reception & cultural moment
FRIDAY, 4 JUNE 2027
-
09:00 - 10:00
Plenary session: Representations of trauma
-
10:15 - 11:15
Roundtable I / Parallel sessions I
-
11:15 - 11:30
Break
-
11:30 - 13:00
Parallel sessions II
-
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch break (Posters & Flash Talks)
-
14:30 - 15:30
Plenary session: Media and trauma
-
15:45 - 17:00
Roundtable II / Parallel sessions III
-
17:00 - 17:15
Break
-
17:15 - 18:30
Plenary session: Psychotraumatology
SATURDAY, 5 JUNE 2027
-
09:00 - 10:00
Plenary session: Global changes and trauma
-
10:00 - 11:15
Roundtable III / Parallel sessions IV
-
11:15 - 11:30
Break
-
11:30 - 13:00
Parallel sessions V / Parallel sessions VI
-
13:00 - 14:30
Lunch break (Posters & Flash Talks)
-
14:30 - 15:30
Plenary session: Displacements and trauma
-
15:30 - 17:00
Roundtable IV / Parallel sessions VII
-
17:00 - 17:15
Break
-
17:15 - 18:30
Plenary session: Psychotraumatology
-
20:00
Conference dinner
SUNDAY, 6 JUNE 2027
-
09:00 - 10:00
Plenary session: Psychotraumatology
-
10:15 - 11:45
Roundtable V / Parallel sessions VIII /
Parallel sessions IX / Parallel sessions X -
11:45 - 12:15
Break
-
12:00 - 13:00
Closing conference
-
13:00 - 13:30
Closing ceremony
Abstracts
Abstract submission will be available from 15 September 2026 until 24 January 2027
Timeline
| Action | Envisaged date |
|---|---|
| Call for Abstracts and Early Bird Registration opening | 15 September 2026 |
| Abstract submission deadline | 24 January 2027 |
| Abstracts review process | 24 January – 24 February 2027 |
| Abstracts notification of acceptance to authors | 15 March 2027 |
| Deadline for presenters to confirm acceptance of their presentation | 31 March 2027 |
| Early bird registration deadline | 01 May 2027 |
| Regular registration period | 01 May – 25 May 2027 |
| Late registration period | 26 May – 02 June 2027 |
| ESTSS 2027 Conference | 03–06 June 2027 |
Registration
Registration will be available from 15 September 2026
| REGISTRATION TYPE |
Early bird
until 31 December 2026
|
Regular
until 31 May 2027
|
Late
after 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 € |
| Delegate Low income country / Portuguese Delegate | 420,00 € | 210,00 € | 440,00 € | 220,00 € | 470,00 € | 235,00 € |
|
Registration types above include:
Access to all Scientific Sessions Coffee breaks Work lunches |
||||||
All registration fees are inclusive of 23% Value Added Tax (VAT)
Low income country – Check the list here
Please note that the event will be conducted exclusively as an in-person meeting; no virtual participation will be available.
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