The 2023 SPSSI Summer Conference in Denver, Colorado is quickly approaching and taking place from June 25-27, 2023. Our previous plans to host the conference in Denver were sadly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we have faced several global challenges, which continue to have rippling effects throughout our communities. Moreover, continued systemic violence and oppression against Indigenous, Black, Latine, Asian, and LGBTQ communities continues to be of concern. This year’s theme, Transforming Our World: Using Research and Action to Address (In)visible Wounds, hopes to center these issues and explore ways to utilize psychological science and community/policy-engaged work to mitigate harm and find solutions to global issues.  

We had a rich pool of over 350 submissions across the various formats. Topics covered in this year’s conference are diverse, timely, and intersecting. They include transgender inclusion on college campuses, centering Blackness in social psychological theory, social determinants of health, climate action concerns and challenges, intimate partner violence, opportunities to promote political and civic participation, and many others. The conference will also host several interactive discussion hours and late-breaking sessions, which will focus on current events and opportunities to engage, given anticipated policy changes in the months to come. One of this year’s pre-conference workshops will also aid members in learning about tools for legislative policy engagement. We hope that SPSSI members find many opportunities to share knowledge and mobilize.  

This year’s conference keynotes are an esteemed group, who each embody the conference theme of transforming our communities through action. Dr. Abigail Stewart (SPSSI President) will deliver her presidential address. Dr. Stephanie Fryberg (University of Michigan) will give a talk titled Omission as the Modern Form of Bias Against Indigenous Peoples. Next, Dr. John Jost (New York University) will give his talk, titled Both-Sideology in Social Psychology: A Full-Throated Critique. Our final keynote will be provided by Colorado Representative Brianna Titone. She was elected in 2018 to represent Colorado House District 27 and is currently serving her third term in office. Representative Titone is the first openly transgender legislator in the Colorado General Assembly, and the first transgender person in the nation elected to a peer-elected leadership position. These keynotes were curated to allow ourselves to engage in thoughtful dialogue about how we can engage with community as an organization and profession.  

We hope to see you in the Mile High City for dynamic discussions, cutting-edge research, and fellowship amongst colleagues. We also encourage attendees to explore the vibrant city of Denver and its cultural scene. For more information, you can visit the conference page: https://www.spssi.org/conferences.