Audience at a conference

International Society for the Study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID) Conference 2023: Florence, Italy

In 2023, the ISPID conference was held at the magnificent Palazzo dei Congressi in Florence, Italy from October 5-8. The theme was Baby Survival: Global Achievements and Future Challenges. Members of ISPID, and hosts Semi per la SIDS ONLUS and Fondazione Meyer, joined other delegates from around the world to further their knowledge through research initiatives, and families’ experiences, to improve outcomes for future generations and protect precious lives.

The multidisciplinary nature of the conference provided something for everyone who is involved in the provision of care for families. There was a programme of presentations from pioneering experts who gathered in Florence to present their works and discuss the most recent findings on Stillbirth, SIDS and SUDI.

A key aspect of the conference was listening and learning from parents and relatives who have experienced the tragedy of losing a baby, taking forward common goals for improved provision of healthcare and education, promoting global research in this field and encouraging every professional to seek innovative ways to improve their service.

The conference included remembrance events and workshops dedicated to self and mutual help. The scientific sessions were paralleled by a specific program for parents, that included bereavement seminars, moments of sharing and many other valuable activities for all family members. The whole event was closed by a memorial service and a light ceremony of iconic monuments in Florence.

More information about the conference can be found here.

At the 2023 conference, our Chief Executive, Jenny Ward, received the prestigious Distinguished Educator Award for her outstanding contribution to SUDI education and bereavement support and for her international reputation for driving change and improvement within the sector.

ISPID 2023 - Jenny award group photo ISPID 2023 - Jenny award photo