37TH ANNUAL BOSTON
INTERNATIONAL TRAUMA CONFERENCE
Psychological trauma, neuroscience, embodiment, and the restoration of the self
- May 27th - 30th 2026
From May 27th to 30th, 2026, the Trauma Research Foundation and Dr. Bessel van der Kolk are hosting the 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference – an extraordinary gathering that brings together global leaders in trauma research, clinical practice, and healing.
Our conference focuses on integrating clinical wisdom with science and research, emphasizing the importance of community, innovation, and accessibility of treatment during challenging times.
As well as keynotes from leading practitioners and researchers, attendees can participate in immersive experiential sessions and connect with a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to transforming trauma care.
The conference will take place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, located at 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA. We also invite participants to join us virtually from anywhere in the world.
Whether you join us in person or virtually, it’s an annual conference not to be missed!
Voices from the Conference
Attendees of the 36th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, highlighting the event’s unique blend of cutting-edge research, experiential learning, and heartfelt community. Many described the conference as “transformative,” “deeply inspiring,” and “professionally revitalizing,” with special praise for the diversity of perspectives, the caliber of faculty, and the opportunities for meaningful connection with peers from around the world.
Meet Our Experts
The 37th Annual Boston International Trauma conference brings together an extraordinary roster of speakers who bring deep insight and innovation to the forefront of trauma care.
We are delighted to confirm that esteemed experts including Pat Ogden, Judith Herman, Bessel van der Kolk, Wendy D’Andrea, Licia Sky, Steve Porges, Manos Tsakiris and many others, will be delivering impactful presentations that bridge the latest research with transformative clinical practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
For information about CE credits, the hotel room block, and other frequently asked questions, please visit this link.
Main Schedule
- 7:45 AM - 8:30 AM
- 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
- Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Workshop 4
- Workshop 5
- Workshop 6
- 10:30 - 11:00 AM
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Workshop 1
- Workshop 2
- Workshop 3
- Workshop 4
- Workshop 7
- Workshop 8
- 1:00 - 2:15 PM
- 2:15 - 3:00 PM
- 3:00 - 3:45 PM
- 3:45 - 4:15 PM
- 4:15 - 5:00 PM
- 5:00 - 5:30 PM
- 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Film Club
- 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
- 9:45AM - 10:15AM
- 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
- 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
- 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
- Workshop 9
- Workshop 10
- Workshop 11
- Workshop 12
- Workshop 13
- Workshop 14
- 4:15 - 4:45 PM
- 4:45 - 6:00 PM
- 7:00 - 9:00 PM
- 9:00 - 11:00 PM
- 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
- 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
- 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
- 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
- 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
- Workshop 15
- Workshop 16
- Workshop 17
- Workshop 18
- Workshop 19
- 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM
- 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
- 8:30 AM - 9:45 AM
- 9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
- 10:15 - 11:30 AM
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- 12:00 PM - 1:15 PM
- 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM
- 2:45 PM - 4:15 PM
- Workshop 20
- Workshop 21
- Workshop 22
- Workshop 23
- Workshop 24
- Workshop 25
- 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
- 4:45 PM - 6:00 PM
- 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Flash Talks
Join the 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference Flash Talks! While session presentations are by invitation only, this new offering will enable new individuals to apply to present their research and showcase their work in another, concise manner.
What are flash talks?
Flash talks are concise, 7-8 minute presentations that allow individuals to give a brief overview of their work while making a lasting impact. The flash talks will be a conference session that attendees can join rather than an after hours gathering. We’re looking for meaningful, engaging, succinct presentations that give us a taste of your work. In line with our conference’s theme, all flash talks must include a focus on collecting and analyzing new information. This may include research, program evaluation, etc. that has a significant focus on data utilized to present new information.
We invite individuals whose scholarly work—such as research or program evaluation—aligns with the purpose of the 37th Conference to apply to present their work. We encourage individuals from various backgrounds and career stages to apply. We believe this will be a positive opportunity for everyone from seasoned professionals to early career researchers presenting at their first conference. We will invite a total of seven individuals to present a flash talk.
Requirements:
- All presentations must include the presentation of new data. This can be via research or program evaluation.
- All information must be fully de-identified.
- All individuals must attend the 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference in person. Presenters will only be required to attend the flash talks session but are encouraged to attend the remainder of the conference.
Please click here to review the guidelines for more information about flash talks.
The flash talk session will take place on Thursday, May 28, from 2:45 – 4:15 PM ET at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02199. Presenters will be invited to attend our faculty and gala dinners on Thursday and Friday evenings.
Registration fees for all presenters will be waived. Flash talk presenters will be responsible for covering all additional costs, including lodging, meals, transportation, etc.
The application deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The application will be linked on our website once it is live on February 2, 2026.
Posters
Join the 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference Poster Session sponsored by Salama, a nonprofit organization that advances the science and practice of mental health for those who have lived through war and other disasters.
We invite individuals whose scholarly work—such as research, artistic endeavors, or educational and community engagement initiatives—aligns with the purpose of the 37th Conference to present their work. All poster presentations must be research-oriented.
The Poster Session aims to promote an exchange between researchers and clinicians and help people gain experience presenting their research in professional settings. Our field grows and thrives when we make space for the spread of new knowledge. The crowd is lively, the conversation is warm, and this is a great chance to share what you know.
Choose to present at either the virtual session or the in-person session. This year, we will be hosting both virtual and in-person sessions concurrently; therefore, participants will have to choose to present either in-person OR virtually.
- The virtual and in-person sessions are on Wednesday, May 27, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time. The in-person session will take place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton St, Boston, MA 02199. The virtual session will take place over Zoom.
- All Poster Presenters must purchase a ticket to attend the conference, either virtually or in-person. Tickets will be given at a discounted rate of $525 for in-person presenters and $125 for virtual presenters.
- Applicants who are interested in volunteering in-person at the conference in addition to presenting a poster must apply to be a volunteer by Friday, February 27, 2026. Registration fees for all volunteers will be waived. Please click here for more information about the responsibilities of volunteers and how to apply.
The application deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The application will be linked here once it is live on February 2, 2026.
Please review the guidelines below for more information about your poster.
Guidelines: in-person posters | virtual posters
Super Early Bird Sale on now
Take advantage of our special Super Early Bird pricing and secure your spot at the 37th Annual Boston International Trauma Conference. This limited-time rate offers the best value for joining leading clinicians, researchers, and practitioners from around the world—whether you plan to attend in person or online.
Reserve your ticket now while the lowest price is still available.
In Person Ticket
Super Early Bird rate
Join us onsite in Boston for four days of keynotes, workshops, and experiential sessions with leading trauma clinicians and researchers. Connect face-to-face with colleagues from around the world and immerse yourself fully in the conference community.
Virtual Ticket
Super Early Bird rate
Attend live from anywhere with full access to keynotes, workshops, and interactive sessions streamed in real time. Engage with the global community, participate in Q&A, and revisit recordings at your own pace after the event.
Conference Ticket Refund Policy: We are committed to offering a fair and transparent refund policy, which is outlined below.
In-Person Attendance: Cancellations made by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on March 27, 2026, are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made on or after March 28, 2026, will not be eligible for a refund.
For Virtual Attendance: Cancellations made by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 27, 2026, are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made on or after April 28, 2026, will not be eligible for a refund.
We are excited to offer a room rate of $339 per night for conference attendees at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, located at 39 Dalton Street, Boston, MA. Please click here to reserve your room.
Scholarship
We are pleased to offer scholarships for both in-person and virtual attendance.
Student Scholarship
If you are a student or resident of a developing country, you may be eligible for a Student Scholarship below.
There are a very limited number of Student Scholarships available.
