Programmes

Please click on each item to expand and read more.

Location:

SUSS Auditorium

Timing(s):

09:30 to 10.15 (For Closing Keynote: 16:00-16:30)

One keynote will be presented each morning and one at the end of the conference. All keynotes will be presented by a distinguished panel of speakers to inspire participants about the conference theme on Change and Inclusion Across Sectors and Contexts through Practice Research.

Day 1:
7 July 2026

Practice Research Vision and Mission – Change and Inclusion Across Borders and Sectors

Emeritus Prof. Mike Austin,
Dr Sidsel Therese Natland,
Dr. Sui Ting Kong

(Board Members, The International Community of Practice Research)

Day 2:
8 July 2026

Evolution of Practice Research in Singapore – Challenges and Opportunities

Dr Chung You Jin (Singapore University of Social Sciences)

Dr Judith Chew (KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital)

Day 3:
9 July 2026

Practice Research Across Borders and Sectors: Inclusion and Change

Prof. Antoinette Lombard (President, International Association of Schools of Social Work)

Prof. Tsui Ming Sum (Editor, International Social Work)

Mr Chan Whee Peng (President, Singapore Association of Social Workers)

Day 3 – Closing Keynote:
9 July 2026

Reflecting on the Lessons Learned, Observations and Recommendations, Opportunities, and Challenges in Practice Research

Prof. Sara Serbati (University of Padova, Italy)

Ms Salina Samion (Singapore Prison Service)

Location:

SUSS Block C Classrooms

Timing(s):

Noon: 12:00 to 13:00

PM: 16:00 to 17:00

Each afternoon, the conference will feature parallel plenary sessions designed to provide focused insights into conducting practice research in social work, aligned with the conference theme.

The purpose of these parallel plenaries is to foster deeper interaction and meaningful exchange, with a particular emphasis on driving change and promoting inclusion through practice research.

Each will be led by distinguished practice researchers from around the world.

Description for each plenary will be available in the Programme Booklet made available soon.

Here are the 23 Parallel Plenaries happening across 7-9 July with their respective Speakers:

 

 

 

 

Location:

SUSS Block C Classrooms

Duration:

60 minutes 

Over the 3-day conference, we expect to host approximately more than 200 workshops presentations, seminars and PechaKucha presentations.

Workshops/ Paper Presentation comprise individual or co-authored presentations from different organisations or countries, grouped according to conference themes, where possible. Each presentation is allocated 30 minutes, comprising 20 minutes for presentation and 10 minutes for discussion and/or Q&A.

Seminars cater to presenters who are interested to provide more in-depth elaboration on a topic or theme. They may combine several presentations or papers together utilising the entire seminal session of 60 minutes, regardless of the number of presenters and papers.

Non-Traditional Poster: PechaKucha / Digital Posters Presentation. In lieu of traditional poster presentations, ICPR7 will feature PechaKucha presentations or digital posters only. PechaKucha uses a fast-paced storytelling format originating from Japan (Japanese: ぺちゃくちゃ, [petɕa kɯ̥tɕa]). Each presenter will show 20 slides for 20 seconds each, resulting in a concise 7-minute talk, followed by 3 minutes for clarification and/or questions. All presenters are encouraged to pre-record their presentations to manage time better. For those who would like to use conventional poster formats, please prepare them in digital version and presenters will share their digital posters at designated time and venue, alongside the PechaKucha presentations for 10 minutes.

 

Location:

SUSS Block C Classrooms

Timing(s):

Day 1 & Day 2: (PM)14:00 to 17:00 (Break: 1530:16:00)

Day 3: (PM) 14:00 to 15:30

5 CPR meetings are organised over the three-day conference and open to all interested to join. The respective CPRs are:

  1. Research, impact, translation and influence
  2. Systemic lens to social work practice
  3. Collaboration & co-creation with service users
  4. Organisational support

For information on these CPRs, please visit the ICPR website and contact the facilitators or propose a new CPR!

https://www.icprsw.com/research-collaboratives

Location:

SUSS Board Room

Time:

14:00 to 15:30

Hosted By:

Prof. Bowen McBeath (Portland State University (USA)),  Prof. Mike Austin (UC Berkeley (USA)), and Mr Chan Whee Peng (Singapore University of Social Sciences)

Roundtable sessions bring together government representatives, board members, academics, practitioners, and key stakeholders to engage in focused discussions on advancing practice research, education, funding, and policy.

These dialogues explore development at the agency, institutional, and national levels, with each session addressing a specific topic aligned with the conference theme.

7 July 2026

2pm – 3.30pm (90 minutes)

Demystify Practice Research: What it is, Why it Matters, and What it Takes?
  • 45 minutes: three 15-minute presentations to provide the conceptual foundation of practice research
  • 15 minutes: moderated discussion among panelists
  • 30 minutes: Q&A and dialogue
  • Panelists:
    • Professor Bowen McBeath, Portland State University
    • Dr Sui Ting Kong, Durham University
    • Ms Stella Teo, Head of Impact and Research, TOUCH Community Services
    • Moderator: Mr Martin Chok, Chair of Practice Research Special Interest Group, Singapore Association of Social Workers

8 July 2026

2pm – 3.30pm (90 minutes)

Building the Ecosystem: Policies, Partnerships, and Incentives for Sustaining Practice Research
  • 45 minutes: three 15-minute presentation by panelists
  • 15 minutes: moderated discussion among panelists
  • 30 minutes: Q&A and dialogue
  • Panelists:
    • Emeritus Professor Mike Austin, University of California (Pre-recorded video)
    • Associate Professor Choo Hyekyung, National University of Singapore
    • Dr Eric Hoo, Director and Senior Principal Clinical Psychologist, Strategy and Research, NCSS
    • Moderator: Mr Chan Whee Peng, President, Singapore Association of Social Workers
Look forward to an exciting line-up of cultural and fringe events that will bring the vibrant spirit of Singapore to life throughout the conference!

From captivating performances and traditional arts to local flavours and interactive showcases, these events offer a unique chance to experience the city’s rich multicultural heritage.

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