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2026 BURSARY AWARDS
In keeping with the values of collaboration, inclusion, and global exchange that guide the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services (IAFMHS), we are pleased to offer bursaries to help reduce financial barriers to attending our 2026 Annual Conference in Helsinki, Finland. These awards are designed to support meaningful participation from individuals and communities who are often underrepresented at international conferences.
Two bursary streams are available this year:
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Travel Bursary, for researchers and clinicians from countries classified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as emerging and developing economies.
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Lived Experience Bursary, for individuals with lived or living experience related to forensic mental health, criminal legal systems, or intersecting systems of care and supervision.
Both awards reflect our commitment to broadening participation, amplifying diverse perspectives, and strengthening the global exchange of knowledge in forensic mental health.
Submissions and applications must be received by 11:59 PM PST on February 28, 2026 to be eligible for consideration.
Travel Bursary
In keeping with the collaborative spirit and international focus of IAFMHS, the Association is proud to offer financial support to individuals from countries classified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as emerging and developing economies, who face financial barriers to conference attendance. This support is intended to help recipients attend our annual conference and share their research with the global community.
For the 2026 IAFMHS Conference in Helsinki, we are pleased to offer several bursaries valued at approximately $2,500 CAD each. These awards are designed to assist with travel costs for attendees who have an accepted presentation. The goal of the bursary program is to reduce financial barriers, increase participation from underrepresented countries and institutions, and support researchers and clinicians working to improve forensic mental health services in their regions.
The Bursary Award is valued at approximately CAD$2,500 and includes:
- Complimentary conference registration
- Complimentary one-year membership
- $1500 CAD Cash*
Eligibility Criteria
Complete the lived experience bursary award application form HERE with the Abstract IDs from the Submission Portal (see HERE for details). Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Residency & Employment: Must reside and work in one of the eligible countries (see country list HERE).
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Lack of Other Travel Funding: Must not possess any other travel funding to attend the conference.
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Accepted Presentation: Must have a first-author accepted paper, poster, or symposium presentation at the IAFMHS conference (see HERE for details)
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Commitment to Attend: Must physically attend the conference and present their accepted submission.
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Previous Awardees: Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously received a bursary
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Financial Need: The applicant does not have access to other funding sources to support conference travel or attendance.
- Institutional and Country Representation: The applicant’s institution and country have had limited representation at current or past IAFMHS conferences. Consideration will be given to the potential for the applicant’s attendance to increase awareness of and engagement with IAFMHS in their home context.
- First-Time Attendee Priority: Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously attended an IAFMHS conference.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Complete the lived experience bursary award application form HERE with the Abstract IDs from the Submission Portal (see HERE for details). 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,
- 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).
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