IAPS 28th International Conference Association on People (Environment Studies) - Event Report

What was the event?

I attended and presented at the IAPS 28th International Conference on People-Environment Studies at the Universitat de Barcelona. The theme was "Enacting Transdisciplinary Knowledge: People, Places, Movements, and Sustainabilities," attracting urban designers, architects, environmental psychologists, and interdisciplinary researchers.

The conference began with parallel presentations on nature's therapeutic impact, including Luca Laezza's study on the psychological benefits of nature. Hartmut Guenther's keynote highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research on environments and human health.

On the second day, I presented my working paper on barriers and facilitators of outdoor activities, emphasizing individual perceptions in green prescriptions. In the same session, Lewis Elliot discussed the psychological richness of nature using big-data, and Yasushi Suko examined the diminishing restorative effects of repetitive nature video exposure.

The following days featured talks by Setha Low and Si-Min Bian. Setha Low emphasised the importance of public spaces for social justice, democracy, and urban resilience, while Bian discussed urban design interventions in China that enhance public use of green spaces and recycle materials.

The final day included Tim Cresswell's talk on the concept of place as shaped by personal, social, and cultural contexts. The conference concluded with a celebratory meal, allowing attendees to explore Spanish culture and reflect on the discussions.

Overall, the IAPS conference was a professionally enriching experience, offering valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a chance to explore the beautiful landscapes of Spain.

What drew you to attend this event? 

I was drawn to attend the IAPS 28th International Conference on People-Environment Studies primarily due to my role as an intern under Work Package 4. This internship provided me with numerous opportunities to develop a variety of research skills, culminating in a paper that was accepted for presentation at the event. I was honored to represent Work Package 4 and present my findings at such a prestigious conference.

My own research focuses on the well-being of older adults in care homes, specifically how outdoor spaces can enhance their well-being. I have found that the barriers to accessing these outdoor spaces are often socio-ecological rather than merely physical. This aligns closely with the themes of the conference, which examined the interplay between people, places, movements, and sustainability from a socio-ecological perspective.

The conference offered a platform to engage with a diverse range of professionals, including urban designers, architects, environmental psychologists, and interdisciplinary researchers, all of whom provided insights into various aspects of climate change, sustainability, and the natural and urban environments. This diversity of perspectives was invaluable, as it allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the socio-ecological factors affecting access to outdoor spaces, which is central to my research.

How was your experience attending the event? What were the highlights and key moments? 

Attending the IAPS 28th International Conference on People-Environment Studies was an enriching and memorable experience. One of the key highlights was the series of workshops and networking events specifically tailored for early career researchers like myself. These sessions provided an opportunity to connect with peers worldwide, share our work, and discuss potential collaborations. The workshops, in particular, opened up new ideas for exploring different realms of person-environment research and introduced innovative methods that will be invaluable as I prepare for a future career in academia.

Another highlight of the conference was the site visits organised each evening after the main sessions. These visits allowed participants to see firsthand how various projects have brought about environmental changes and their multifaceted impacts on people. It was fascinating to observe how theoretical concepts discussed during the day were applied in real-world settings. These site visits not only deepened my understanding of the practical implications of person-environment research but also provided valuable case precedents that I can reference in developing further applied research.

How was this event relevant to your research, interdisciplinarity and the ACRC Academy? 

The conference was highly relevant to my research, which focuses on the well-being of older adults in care homes and the role of outdoor spaces in enhancing their quality of life. The conference's theme, "Enacting Transdisciplinary Knowledge: People, Places, Movements, and Sustainabilities," directly aligned with this focus. Learning from professionals across disciplines offered valuable insights into how socio-ecological factors influence access to and the effectiveness of outdoor environments.

As a core aspect of the conference, interdisciplinarity brought together professionals from various fields, including urban design, architecture, environmental psychology, and more. This diversity of perspectives enriched my understanding of the complex interplay between people and their environments. In particular, presentations on the psychological benefits of nature, the importance of public spaces, and small urban interventions provided new ideas and approaches that I can integrate into my research. The collaborative discussions also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the multifaceted challenges of environmental and social issues.

The ACRC Academy emphasises collaborative, interdisciplinary research, not only theoretically but in reality how research findings can be communicated and applied to improve the health and well-being of older adults. A significant proportion of presentations focused on delivering environmental interventions to assess changes in behaviour, psychological and physiological responses, and subsequently better well-being. These represent precedents to inform how scientific findings can be translated into practice to make changes in health, which is crucial for the ACRC Academy's mission of developing research that has tangible, positive impacts on society.

Lessons learnt / best practices that you’d like to share

The conference highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. With over 100 presentations, it showcased a wide range of cutting-edge research methods, including artificial intelligence, geospatial analysis, social media research, and virtual reality. Emerging technologies are expanding the types of data researchers can access, enabling collaborations across vast geographic areas and leading to more refined conclusions. As researchers and future leaders, we must stay updated with the latest technologies and equip ourselves with diverse tools to draw better conclusions from our research. This will lead to improved science that benefits the public and contributes meaningfully to society.