2026 BURSARY AWARDS

Travel Bursary

In keeping with the collaborative spirit and international focus of IAFMHS, the Association endeavors to provide financial assistance when possible to individuals in less developed countries to attend our annual conference to present their research findings. 

IAFMHS is pleased to announce that funds are available to award a number of bursaries valued at approximately $2500 CAD each to assist with travel costs associated with attending and presenting at the 2026 Helsinki Conference. This bursary award aims to increase participation from countries and institutions that are less active in the organization primarily due to financial barriers and to support researchers and clinicians in these areas to improve research and services in their countries. 

The Bursary Award is valued at approximately CAD$2,500 and includes:

• Complimentary conference registration
• Complimentary one-year membership 
• $1500 CAD Cash

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Must reside and work in one of the eligible countries (see country list HERE)
• Must not possess other travel funding
• Must physically attend the conference in order to present a relevant paper/poster that has been accepted
• Please note priority will be given to applicants who have not previously been awarded a bursary

To be considered for the award, individuals must:

• Submit a relevant paper/poster/symposium for the conference (see HERE for details). Note your Abstract IDs
• Complete the bursary award application form HERE with the Abstract IDs from the Submission Portal 

Submissions and applications must be received by 11:59 PM PST on February 28, 2026 to be eligible for consideration.

*The $1,500 cash portion of the bursary will be disbursed in person at the conference registration desk. Recipients must attend the conference in person and participate in their accepted presentation to receive the award. If this policy creates a barrier to attending (e.g., difficulty covering travel costs upfront), IAFMHS may be able to assist with pre-booked hotel accommodation or other arrangements. Please contact iafmhs@sfu.ca to discuss confidential support options.

Lived Experience Bursary *NEW*

In keeping with the collaborative and inclusive values of IAFMHS, we are proud to offer a new bursary to support individuals with lived or living experience related to forensic mental health, criminal legal systems, or intersecting systems of care, support, or supervision. This includes people who have accessed mental health or substance use services, been incarcerated or under community supervision, navigated forensic psychiatric systems, or engaged with other institutional systems. It also includes family members and individuals who contribute through advocacy, peer support, education, research partnerships, or community-based work informed by personal experience.

This bursary aims to reduce financial barriers and amplify underrepresented voices at the IAFMHS Annual Conference. Recipients must have an accepted presentation (as author or co-author) at the 2026 Helsinki Conference. Presentations may be in any format, including in-person posters, paper, symposia, or round tables, in which the applicant is a named contributor and will actively present or co-present at the conference.

The Bursary Award is valued at approximately CAD$2,500 and includes:

• Complimentary conference registration
• Complimentary one-year membership 
• $1500 CAD Cash

This award reflects our commitment to equity, inclusion, and the meaningful participation of people with lived experience in shaping forensic mental health knowledge and practice. While we welcome applications from family members and supporters, preference will be given to applicants with direct lived or living experience.

* We understand that international travel can be complicated, especially for individuals with lived experience involving system contact, visas, or documentation. Please take time to check what is needed to enter the host country, including any visa, travel, or legal requirements. This bursary supports meaningful participation by people with lived experience, and we encourage applicants to engage with the conference in ways that feel safe and supported. Where helpful, applicants are encouraged to collaborate with academic, clinical, or community partners to support travel planning and conference participation.

*The $1,500 cash portion of the bursary will be disbursed in person at the conference registration desk. Recipients must attend the conference in person and participate in their accepted presentation to receive the award. If this policy creates a barrier to attending (e.g., difficulty covering travel costs upfront), IAFMHS may be able to assist with pre-booked hotel accommodation or other arrangements. Please contact iafmhs@sfu.ca to discuss confidential support options.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Lived/Living Experience: Self-identify as having personal experience with forensic mental health services, criminal legal systems, or related systems of care or supervision, including as a service user or justice-involved individual impacted by these systems, as well as family members and other advocates of individuals with lived experience.
• Accepted Presentation: Be a named presenter on an accepted in-person posters, paper, symposia, or round tables at the 2026 Helsinki Conference and actively present or co-present the work at the event. (see HERE for details). Note your Abstract IDs
• Financial Need: Lack access to other sufficient funding sources to support attendance.
• Commitment to Attend: Must physically attend and participate in the accepted presentation in person at the conference (i.e., online poser presentations are not eligible).
• Complete the lived experience bursary award application form HERE with the Abstract IDs from the Submission Portal 

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Financial Need: Applicant lacks alternative funding sources to attend the conference.
• Lived Experience: Priority will be given to individuals with direct personal experience with forensic mental health services, criminal legal systems, or related systems.
• Representation: Priority may be given to applicants from communities historically underrepresented in IAFMHS, including but not limited to those who are racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, disabled, economically marginalized, or from structurally excluded groups.
• First-time Awardees: Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously received the award.
• First-time Attendees: Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended the IAFMHS conference.

Questions about the award should be directed to iafmhs@sfu.ca