In 2026 we are celebrating 20 years of the Compassionate Mind Foundation, and our 15th International Conference. Over 4 days, the conference programme includes Workshops, Keynotes and Symposia which will explore biopsychosocial perspectives on how we can use compassion in our lives and our work. There will be a mix of research, clinical application and experiential practice. Alongside our conference programme there will be space for poster presentations, networking and of course plenty of socialising, with our conference dinner and open mic night.
This year, we are inviting submissions for contributions to our conference, for papers focusing on research studies and/or clinical applications of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and/or Compassionate Mind Training (CMT). The format of our conferences follows the biopsychosocial approach that underpins CFT, with each day of the programme dedicated to one of the themes. We have three symposia currently seeking submissions for papers of around 20 minutes: Compassion and the Mind, Compassion and the Body, and Compassion and Social Relationships. This year we also have an early career researcher’s symposium, in which five researchers will give a 10 minute presentation of their work.
To apply, please email cftconference@compassionatemind.co.uk with the following information:
Name and contact details
The symposium you are applying to be part of (i.e., Mind, Body, Relationships or Researchers)
A title and abstract for your presentation (max. 300 words)
A short video (around 5 minutes) introducing your proposed presentation.
30th March 2026.
Applications will be reviewed by symposium chairs and a panel from the Compassionate Mind Foundation. We aim to inform you of the outcome of your application shortly after 30th March 2026. We are anticipating a high level of interest, so regretfully we will not be able to accept all submissions or provide individual feedback.
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These workshops will run from 09.30-16.30 on Monday, 12th October and will take place at our conference venue. There is also a livestream option for all of our workshops. Workshops will be recorded and available to view for up to one year after the conference.
Workshop descriptions comings soon.
Prof Paul Gilbert OBE
Dr Michelle Cree, Jean Gilbert, Dr Ken Goss, Dr Chris Irons, Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Mary Welford and Diane Woollands
The Epigenetics of Compassion: How Compassion Shapes Our Genes and Health - Dr Marcela Matos
Compassion and the Body
Mentalizing and Compassion - Professor Patrick Luyten
Attachment Theory and Compassion Focused Therapy: Opportunities, Threats and the Case for Critical Engagement - Dr Sarah Foster & Professor Robbie Duschinsky
Compassion and the Mind
Compassion-Based Mindfulness Interventions and their Impact on the Body, Mental Health and Conflict Resolution - Dr Olga Maria Klimecki
Compassion for All? - Professor Paul Gilbert
TBC
Caring Minds in Competitive Worlds: How Social Context Shapes Access to Self-Compassion - Associate Professor Allison Kelly
Compassion and Social Relationships
Compassion and Political Grief - Professor Darcy Harris
Dr Wendy Wood
Professor Paul Gilbert OBE
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Those who wish to pay via invoice, or to pay via different method, please download and complete the booking form underneath the Eventbrite Tab.
Community Members are entitled to discounted rates for both our face-to-face and online conference and workshops. We offer discounts for those from emerging countries (please see the prices for 'emerging'). As there is no standard list of emerging countries, we have based this list on those provided by similar conferences.
For those who would be unable to attend our conference, we offer an Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Fund (EDIF). The EDIF offers grants to assist by helping to cover the cost of conference registration. Please fill in the application form and send it to hello@compassionatemind.co.uk. The deadline for applications is 1st September 2026 (for face to face attendance) and 1st October 2026 (for livestream attendance).
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Each poster chosen for display will be allocated a poster board. Posters will be pinned onto boards, and they can take a A0 size poster, either portrait or landscape. Unfortunately, there is no facility for audio-visual presentations in the poster display area and no electrical outlets available. Your presentation should be delivered using only the materials fixed to the poster board.
We request that presenters attend as much of the conference as possible (at least 2 out of 4 days). Poster presenters should arrive approximately 15 minutes before registration to set up their display materials. Please note that no responsibility can be taken for any loss or damage to your poster or any other display materials and putting up your poster is taken as acceptance of these conditions.
Please make sure that the information on your poster is clear and visible. It is essential to include a clear, complete heading to enable people to identify the poster and the presenter. As a general rule, it is recommended that the title be in 3 cm print or larger. The authors and the affiliations in 1.5 cm print. Please include an abstract typed in a large, clear type and several large, clearly labelled graphs and other visual aids. Figures should take up a regular page, but even larger materials would be desirable. If tables are included, they should probably be larger than a standard sheet of paper. Pictures, diagrams, and other materials of adequate size are often helpful. A useful rule here is that your material should be easily read from a distance of 1 to 2 metres. All materials you wish to display should be related to your presentation and the materials described in the abstract you submitted to the Compassionate Mind Foundation.
We advise that posters provide a short, clear, non-technical description of what you did, why you did it, and what you found. Generally, you should not go into detail regarding subjects, apparatus, or details of procedure — those who want to learn more can request a full copy of the paper. For example, you should keep references and reviews of the literature to a minimum. The format requires you to be bold in your style and to condense complicated descriptions into a few short sentences. Above all, a poster is not just a regular paper in large text. It is a discussion-oriented format. The poster should communicate the issue and conclusion. The discussion in person with conference delegates should fill in the details.
Individuals may view your poster at coffee breaks or lunch. The conference committee request that you should make yourself available to discuss the materials and answer questions for at least 15 minutes of the break and the last 30 minutes of lunch. Many presenters wish to provide handouts about their project. These may include an abstract of the paper or perhaps a copy of the complete paper itself. Other authors prefer to send reprints of their paper by email after the conference
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We will confirm the final details of the event, 7-10 days before the start date.
Please contact us as soon as possible on finance@compassionatemind.co.uk for any cancellations. Refunds, less a 20% administration fee, will be made if cancellations are received in writing up to six weeks (28th August 2024) before the event. Any cancellations received after this time will not be eligible for a refund. We regret, refunds for failure to attend cannot be made but you can transfer your event fee to a future event within 12 months.
Please note that information about the event and venue may be subject to change and cancellation. Occasionally, an event may have to be cancelled or postponed. We will try and inform you of any changes and cancellations as soon as possible via email.
For face-to-face attendees: We cannot be held responsible for any resulting costs you may incur for travel, accommodation, any other related goods or service or other compensation in the event of any changes or cancellation. Lunch provided at the event will be vegetarian and will include eggs, but no meat. However, Please advise us of any dietary requirements on the booking form and the venue will try to accommodate your request. For full details see our terms and conditions.
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