ISAM Conference
Marissa Cummings and Anna Sturzaker attended the ISAM Conference, held in Rotterdam from 1-3 October 2026, on behalf of DHI. They presented a poster on the SUMIT project, showcasing the methodology used to design digital interventions with staff and service users to support people affected by addiction.
The conference provided a valuable opportunity to learn from and engage with professionals from around the world. Highlights included presentations on addiction interventions within the criminal justice system in Texas, Liberatory Harm Reduction, and discussions on stigma and why addiction is often not treated in the same way as other chronic health conditions.
Hearing different perspectives on shared challenges highlighted both the similarities and differences in approaches to addiction treatment across countries. It was an inspiring few days and a reminder of the importance of continuing to innovate and learn from others working in the field.
The SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) project is a cross-border initiative funded by the PEACEPLUS programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Led by Queen’s University Belfast Communities and Place (QCAP), in partnership with Trinity College Dublin, DHI, the University of St Andrews, and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), SUMIT aims to improve access to care for people with substance use and mental health challenges.
