Welcome letter from the IUPsyS President

The International Congress of Psychology is the most significant global gathering for psychological science. Convened under the auspices of IUPsyS, the Global Voice of Psychology, the Congress provides a unique opportunity for psychologists from all regions of the world to exchange knowledge, strengthen international collaboration, and advance psychology as a science and profession.

The Congress also holds a special place in the history of IUPsyS. Since the first International Congress of Psychology was held in Paris in 1889, the Congress has played a distinctive role in bringing psychologists together across national, disciplinary, and cultural boundaries. Across the early Congresses, leading figures from psychology, medicine, neurology, psychiatry, philosophy, education, and the social sciences helped shape an emerging international scientific community. This tradition of exchange – associated with figures such as Binet, Freud, James, Piaget, Wundt, and many others – ultimately contributed to the establishment of IUPsyS in 1951.

ICP2028 will be an important moment for our global community. The theme, Brain, Mind, World, speaks to the breadth and relevance of psychology in addressing human behaviour, health, education, work, culture, technology, peace, sustainability, and social change. It invites us to consider how psychological science can contribute not only to understanding individuals, but also to improving communities, institutions, and societies.

It also speaks to the unifying role of the Union as the global home for psychology: a place where psychologists, psychological scientists, educators, practitioners, students, and organisations from across the world can come together in shared purpose. ICP2028 offers an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, advance psychological science, and contribute to the development of humanity as a whole.

IUPsyS is pleased to partner with the Australian Psychological Society and the ICP2028 Congress leadership to organise a Congress that is scientifically strong, internationally inclusive, and forward-looking. We look forward to a scientific programme and Congress events that reflect the diversity of psychological science and practice, support emerging psychologists, and encourage dialogue across regions, disciplines, and traditions.

I warmly invite psychologists, students, researchers, educators, practitioners, policymakers, and partners from around the world to participate in ICP2028. Your contribution will help ensure that this Congress is a vibrant, inclusive, and impactful meeting for the international psychology community.

We look forward to seeing you in Naarm (Melbourne) for ICP2028.