Tackling Stigma Conference 2026

This interdisciplinary conference investigates stigma as a barrier to healthcare, combining research evidence, lived experience and practical interventions. Its programme examines structural and systemic discrimination, intersectional stigma and access to care across HIV and viral hepatitis, alcohol and other drugs, disability, gender and sexuality, migration and reproductive health. Sessions use qualitative and quantitative studies, community consultation and co-design to explore care models and strategies for changing policy and practice. The programme includes Aboriginal community-controlled approaches and Yarning, person-centred care, stigma-reduction education and interventions informed by lived experience.

Featured participants include Rhea Liang (Bond University), Liesl Tesch (NSW Parliament) and Josephine Nabukenya (Miles of Smiles Foundation). Research participants include Loren Brener and Timothy Broady (Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW), Lise Lafferty (Centre for Social Research in Health and Kirby Institute, UNSW), and Carla Treloar (UNSW Sydney).

The conference is in person at Colombo Building B16, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, Australia; entry is via High Street Gate 4 and Fig Tree Lane. On 23 November registration opens at 8:00 am and the scientific programme starts at 9:00 am; on 24 November sessions start at 9:00 am and the conference closes at 5:00 pm. Times are Australia/Sydney, AEDT (UTC+11). Register publicly through Eventbrite. General two-day admission is AUD 480 through 1 October and AUD 550 from 2 October; one-day admission is AUD 350, with student/concession rates of AUD 420 for two days or AUD 250 for one day. The organiser confirms there is no hybrid attendance. Abstract submissions and conference scholarships are closed.