Dear Colleagues

We are delighted to welcome the 12th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour (ESSSB12) to Glasgow – twenty years since Scotland hosted the 2nd symposium in 1988.

In the intervening period, ESSSB has grown to be the largest and most prestigious suicidology conference in Europe and is recognised as one of the most influential in the world. Past symposia have brought together the leading academics, policy-makers and practitioners from across the globe and ESSSB12’s theme of Working Together to Prevent Suicide: Research, Policy & Practice continues this interdisciplinary collaboration. Our conference aim is to promote cutting edge research, to stimulate new thinking, to share our insights and expertise, and to enhance mutual learning between science, policy and practice. ESSSB12 will appeal to anyone with an interest in understanding the suicidal process, from prevention to postvention and from policy to crisis intervention.

We have concentrated on developing a scientific programme of the highest quality and have invited some of the world’s leading authorities in research, policy and practice to deliver plenary lectures. But the success of ESSSB12 cannot rely on our efforts alone. It’s also up to you, the delegates, to make significant contributions to the proceedings. We invite you to register for the conference, submit abstracts for presentations in the parallel sessions and join us in Glasgow, eager to share your knowledge and experience, your moments of triumph as well as the barriers and difficulties you have faced.

Glasgow was recently named as the UK’s top city destination, famed for its architecture, its fusion of the old and the new, its vibrant nightlife and cosmopolitan welcome. While here, take advantage of all that Scotland has to offer – the breathtaking scenery, the infectious sense of humour, the sporting opportunities, the malt whisky, the shopping, the ceilidh dancing and so much more.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to Scotland.

Fàilte chridheil oirbh uile (A warm Gaelic welcome to you).

Dr. Rory O’Connor Suicidal Behaviour Research Group, University of Stirling		Professor Stephen Platt Research Unit in Health, Behaviour & Change, University of Edinburgh
Symposium Presidents