You are invited to a two-day symposium for researchers studying at the interface of mental health and social justice in Aotearoa. The aim of the symposium is to foster in-depth discussion and promote networking among researchers in this field.

Keynote speakers will include Professor Michael Perlin from New York Law School who will give a public address on the development of a disability rights tribunal in the Asian and Pacific region on the first evening of the two-day event.

Other confirmed keynotes include: Associate Professor Brian McKenna (University of Auckland), Gareth Edwards (Positive Thinking) and Associate Professor Kate Diesfeld (University of Waikato).

This invitation calls for papers that recognize the dignity of every human being and which will generate focused discussions on equality, solidarity and human rights in mental health. Places will be strictly limited in order to foster roundtable discussion sessions and facilitate networking between the growing number of researchers focused on making a difference for people who experience mental health problems and/or intellectual disability.

Abstracts are particularly welcomed from individuals studying mental health and social justice in relation to:

•  Ethnicity and culture
• Mental health law
•  Refugees
•  Research methods
•  Specific at-risk groups, eg, refugees, prisoners and young people
•  Service user led research
•  Sexuality and sexual identity
•  Social exclusion/inclusion
•  Translational research
•  Violence and trauma
•  Women’s issues

Please submit your abstract.

Deadline for submissions was April 15th 2011. Submission have now closed. Participants will be notified of whether or not their submission has been accepted for presentation no later than April 22nd 2011.