After careful consideration of the current Coronavirus 2019 (COVID 2019) international outbreak, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is proceeding with ISPA 2020 www.ispa2020.org , the 42nd Annual Conference of the International School Psychology Association, which will take place AS PLANNED in Nicosia, Cyprus between 14-17 July 2020.

The health and safety of all conference participants and the containment of the spread of COVID-19 are top priorities for the LOC. March may be a challenging month for much of the world but there is good reason for hope in that science, institutions, and governments will work together for the containment of the spread.  For those who have been hit the hardest by COVID-19 we share our compassion and solidarity.

The LOC will continue to aggressively monitor the latest developments in close collaboration with the Cyprus Health Authorities and will act along orders issued by government and guidelines issued by the World Health Organization. We hold our duty as LOC and as psychologists to make informed and wise decisions. It is our hope that we will see a normalization of people’s lives and international travelling by the end of April. We will take all the necessary steps should the situation change.  

Given the situation, the LOC has approved an EXTENSION TO THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE TO MAY 30th 2020 for PRESENTERS and for EARLY/REDUCED FEE, allowing presenters and participants plenty of time to make informed decisions. Presenters can expect a decision about submissions in the beginning of April. For those who want to plan ahead with air travel and accommodation, opting for the flexible options permitting rescheduling or cancellation at no cost may be a good idea.

There is strong commitment to the conference by the ISPA 2020 partners and sponsors. We were honored with over 300 submissions of abstracts from all over the world and registrations are well under way. The LOC will continue to work towards preparing an outstanding scientific and social program. Our community deserves a chance to come together, as we do every July, to support ISPA’s mission and to celebrate international collaboration. Perhaps this year we need it more than ever.

We would like to wish you all the best and we look forward to welcoming you in Nicosia in July!

Vítor Coelho, ISPA President & Anthi Loutsiou, Chair of the ISPA 2020 LOC