2025 IFIRE Conference

International Perspectives on Child and Adult Firesetting: Advances in Research and Practice 

The International Association of Firesetting Intervention Research and Education (IFIRE) is excited to announce the first IFIRE Global Conference on “International Perspectives on Child and Adult Firesetting: Advances in Research and Practice.”

The conference will take place May 7 – 9, 2025 at the Worcester Recovery Center and State Hospital, Massachusetts, USA. Registration for the conference is expected to open in November 2024.

This represents the first international multidisciplinary conference dedicated to advancing and sharing knowledge around research and practice on adult and youth firesetting. 

The Call for Abstract Proposals is open now! Submit your proposal online by October 15, 2024 before 5:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM GMT). Abstract proposal details below and in PDF here.

Submit your proposal here

Call for Abstracts

Overview

Abstract submissions are invited on any topic related to research and practice that improves understanding, education, assessment, intervention, or policy related to youth and adult firesetting. IFIRE invites TWO types of proposal submissions for its 2025 conference:

  1. Poster presentation
  2. Oral paper presentation: 15 or 60 minutes

There is no limit on the number of abstract submissions allowed. Abstracts will be selected based on the quality, relevance, topical focus, and practical application. Proposals will be evaluated via a blinded/masked peer review process.

As there are a limited number of oral presentation sessions, the Planning Committee may request that you consider a shorter presentation or alternative format. Authors will be advised and asked to confirm if they wish to present in the alternative format.

Compensation: All speakers must register for the conference. The conference registration fee will be waived for speakers selected to present. Speakers will be responsible for all other costs associated with traveling and attending the conference.

Abstract submissions must be submitted online here.

  • Deadline to submit is October 15, 2024 by 5:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM GMT)
  • Applicants will be notified via email by November 15, 2024.

What We Expect from You 

  • Your presentation may NOT promote a product or service.
  • You will present your abstract live in-person at the conference, i.e., speakers are expected to attend the conference located in Massachusetts, USA. Only attendees will have a virtual viewing option.
  • Submit final presentation along with handouts or reference materials by April 28, 2025.

Instructions for Abstract Submissions

Complete abstract submissions must include:

  • Title of Presentation: Please limit to 100 characters or less.
  • Learning Objectives (at least four): These learning objectives must start with a verb, and reflect actions or outcomes. Please limit each learning objective to 150 characters or less.
  • Abstract Narrative: Please limit to 1,500 characters or less. Those over this limit will not be considered. There are four suggested topics for you to frame your abstract narrative around: Statement (what you set out to do); Approach (how you did it); Result (what happened – may not be applicable to all proposals); Significance to the field (the importance of this work to the field of firesetting prevention or intervention and/or how this work is innovative).
  • List the authors and speakers (should the proposal be selected for presentation) for your abstract submission to the 2025 IFIRE Global Conference.
    • All author(s) names and affiliations.
    • Primary Speaker name, affiliation, and contact details. NOTE: This will be the person who will be notified of abstract acceptance or denial and/or other key information.
    • Additional Speaker(s) names and affiliations.
  • Preferred Presentation Format (first choice): Oral 15 minutes; Oral 60 minutes; or Poster.
  • Preferred Presentation Format (second choice): Oral 15 minutes; Oral 60 minutes; Poster; or Do not have a second choice, I am only interested in my first preferred presentation format choice.
  • Biographical Sketch of Each Presenter(s): Limit to 500 characters or less.
  • Photo (Headshot) of Each Presenter: Please upload a photo for each presenter.
  • Please note: If your proposal is accepted, additional information may be required at a later date for a CEU/CME application.

Submit your proposal here

Questions 

If you have any questions or comments about the call for proposals and reviews, please contact: ksklas@umich.edu

IFIRE Conference Planning Committee 

  • Ann (Adams) Yeomans, Dept. of Children and Families (CT) (ret)
  • Anthony Campagna, Campagna Associates LLC, (CT)
  • Joanna Foster, fabtic, (UK)
  • Theresa Gannon, University of Kent, (UK)
  • Robert Kinscherff, William James College, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Havard Medical School (MA)
  • Karla Klas, University of Michigan Trauma Burn Center (MI)
  • Brent Smith, Iowa Youth Fire Intervention, (IA)
  • Robert Stadolnik, FirePsych, Inc. (MA)
  • Nichola Tyler, Swinburne University, (Aus)
  • Rachael Utumapu, Fire and Emergency, (NZ)