Welcome to Congress 2024

We are very pleased to confirm that the 2024 RCPsych International Congress will be returning to the wonderful city of Edinburgh, between Monday 17 – Thursday 20 June. 

Edinburgh is steeped in history and culture and is the perfect location to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of a diverse and vibrant city. Whether this is your first time visiting or 100th, there are several amazing places to visit and fascinating stories to discover.

As we move forward from the pandemic the Congress will continue to be held in-person, as each year we receive overwhelmingly positive feedback that in-person is the preferred method of delivery. There is far greater opportunity for interaction, catching up with old friends, making new ones and the protected time away from your homes and offices which makes the event so special.

As with previous years we will still be recording the sessions from the Congress to allow you to watch again. The recordings will be included in your whole Congress ticket, or you can purchase them as an online only package, for a reduced fee, after the Congress has taken place. 

Over the four days of the Congress, you will as ever, have the opportunity to attend talks from 15 world-renowned keynote speakers and choose from over 60 cutting edge sessions. The programme will feature key opinion leaders in mental health from the social and political sphere but crucially we will also hear from those with lived experience and their families. The draft programme is now available to view on our website so do have a browse to explore everything that we have to offer. 

We will also be exploring how we can enhance our Congress cultural fringe this year, and provide you with further offerings focusing on wellbeing, music, art, debates and networking lunches. Giving you a chance to unwind and meet other like minded individuals in smaller group settings. 

There is still a chance to be a part of this amazing programme. Poster abstract submissions are now open. You have until 5.00pm on Friday 2 February 2024 to submit your abstract. Read our full guidance on submitting a poster to find out more information. The top scoring abstracts will be selected for Rapid Fire Presentation, giving you the opportunity to present your research to psychiatrists from across the world. All poster presenters will also be given the chance to have their abstracts published in a special supplement of the British Journal of Psychiatry Open. 

Online registration is now open. We have sold out in recent years so book early to avoid disappointment. Be sure to take advantage of the early bird rates which will be available until 28 March 2024 and could save you up to £100 on your ticket. You can also now book accommodation through our partner website, giving you a choice of hotels within close proximity to the venue.  

We are continuing to explore how we can reduce the environmental impact of the Congress and would very much like you to get involved to help us to achieve our aims. Have a read through our sustainability guidance to explore the different ways you can help, including how you can travel to the Congress venue.  

We are working hard to make this International Congress our most inspiring and best yet and hope to see you in Edinburgh in June. 

Lade Smith, President 

Abdul Raoof, Associate Dean for Advanced Learning and Conferences 

Ian Jones and Stephen Lawrie, Congress Co-chairs