The International Association for the study of Affective Touch: Inaugural Conference

Several influential studies have recently drawn attention to an affective dimension of touch, its social and cognitive role, as well as its neurophysiological and genetic basis. The main  aim of this congress is to provide a platform for fruitful scientific exchanges in this nascent field. The congress will bring together for the first time researchers from around the world exploring the nature and role of affective touch in the human brain and mind.

We particularly hope the congress will foster interdisciplinary dialogue between the different fields interested in affective touch such as psychology, physiology, genetics, neurobiology and affective neuroscience. During the meeting, we also aim to hold the first, founding meeting of the International Association for the Study of Affective Touch, in which the mission and governance of the Society can be decided.  Speakers include:

Emmaneul Bourinet (FRANCE), Carissa Cascio (USA), Chris Dijkerman (NETHERLANDS), Robin Dunbar (UK), Katerina Fotopoulou (UK), Donna Lloyd (UK), Sarah Lloyd-Fox (UK), Francis McGlone (UK), Michael Meaney (CANADA), India Morrison (SWEDEN), Håkan Olausson (SWEDEN), Martin Paulus (USA), Charles Spence (UK), Sophia Vrontou (USA)

Special Guest: Camila Batmanghelidjh (KIDS COMPANY, UK)

THE CALL FOR PAPERS

You are invited to submit abstracts for empirical research presentations and posters. The conference aims to focus on studies on affective touch, but presentations on closely related topics, such as for example pain, are also welcome.   All Abstracts should contain the following information:

1. Title

2. Names of all authors, with institutional affiliations and credentials (e.g., M.A., Ph.D., M.D.) 

3. Introduction, Methods [clear information on methods and sample size is required), Results, and Conclusions (500 words maximum, not including title and author information)  

4. Oral or poster presentation preference (we cannot guarantee all but will do our best)  

5. Short Bio: max 150 words 

Abstracts are due by 21 December 2014. Please submit your abstracts by clicking here;  
you will receive a receipt and a reference number, and notification of acceptance status and presentation type (oral vs poster)  will be made by end of January. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt, please follow up by email.  

Further info: www.neuropsa.org.uk (accommodation information will be posted soon) & affectivetouch@gmail.com; click here to register

Organising Committee: Katerina Fotopoulou, Francis McGlone, India Morrison, Håkan Olausson